Opened by Fire

The huge wildfire raging in Northern Alberta has forced the evacuation of 88,000 people from the city of Fort McMurray.  This is the largest emergency evacuation of a Canadian city in history and it seemed unbelievable to watch the exodus of cars leaving the burning city.

However, the stories of devastation are matched by the stories of support.  I spent time reading the stories of strangers, now neighbours, opening up their homes, sharing what they had and reaching out for those who were fleeing the destruction.

Nearby communities such as Fort McMurray First Nation and Grassland offered food and accommodation.  “It’s a sad situation and we just want to make sure people are safe and the families are together,” said Rose Mueller of Fort McMurray First Nation (CBC).

The city of Edmonton set up an emergency shelter for 5000 people at the Expo centre for the evacuees.  The university, a mosque and lodges are offering shelter as well.  Two facebook pages share offers of a spare bedroom or room for 40 trailers or tents and other creative ideas.  Some people are lending their RV’s to people for as long as they need them.  The facebook pages and other support websites list help that goes on and on.  Churches, mosques and Sikh temples are offering accommodation in spare bedrooms and suites.  Hotels are giving discounts to evacuees.

Edmonton has offered free admission to its swimming pools, gyms and attractions for these displaced families, some who have active children in need of diversion from the shock of the fire.  Taxi drivers are offering free trips. 

People in Calgary and other communities loaded up their cars with supplies and drove north to help out.  New Syrian refugees in Calgary organized support and personal care packages.  

Food and drinks were waiting at the airport for those evacuated by air.  Many restaurants are offering free meals to evacuees and the Edmonton Food Bank has extended its services to them as well.

On Mother’s Day, van loads of flowers were donated at various shelters so children could give their moms flowers and express how much they cared even in temporary housing.  Many evacuees expressed that they had lost things and were living in uncertainty but they knew that what mattered was that they were all safe and together.  Sadly two teenagers died in a car accident fleeing the fire but otherwise everyone got out safely.

One bride who had to leave her wedding dress behind was married this past weekend in a dress donated by a store in Toronto.  She received multiple offers for a dress on facebook.  Donations of clothing and personal care items were sorted and distributed by volunteers. Social media enabled quick organization and response of these things.

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 Support is being sent in from all over Canada.  Firefighters and equipment was sent from provinces that could spare them. The Red Cross had raised 44 million dollars by May 8^th which will be matched by the federal and the Alberta government.

Telus and Shaw are offering free services for evacuees. An auto shop is offering free tire repairs.  Free gas was supplied on route for the convoy of cars during the evacuation.  People drove up and down the convoy bringing supplies such as food and water. The list of support on the special CBC webpage goes on and on. 

Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose had trouble containing her emotions when she spoke in the House of Commons about the crisis in her home province.  Prime Minister Trudeau crossed the floor to embrace her.

Support is being organized to take care of the pets left behind in homes or vehicles.  Veterinary and pet shelter support is also available for free.  Lost pets can be registered on facebook. I read offers to take in dogs and cats for as long as necessary.

There are some species of trees who only release their seeds from their strong casings during the heat of a forest fire.  They need a forest fire to regenerate.  So many hearts and homes were opened up by this wildfire and the new friendships and community that will grow from this crisis will undoubtedly change all those who are involved.  How good it is too see people cross provincial lines, property lines, religious lines, cultural lines and even the floor of the House of Commons as we remember that it is our connections and our compassion that make us strong and resilient.