With the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire still fresh on Albertans’ minds, the 200-plus wildfires currently ravaging across British Columbia have mobilized volunteers to pitch in.
With the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire still fresh on Albertans’ minds, the 200-plus wildfires currently ravaging across British Columbia have mobilized volunteers to pitch in.
Cochranites who care are encouraged to link up with Facebook hub “Calgary Helps YMM and Now BC ” to look up what items have made the needs list and volunteer drivers are wanted to pick up supplies.
With 10 Calgary and area drop-off locations, Cochranite Courtney Archibald has stepped up Samaritan efforts to be the Cochrane location for supplies in need.
“I’ve seen the effects and have talked to lots of people affected by the Fort McMurray fire, ” said Archibald, who has strong connections with the northern oil and gas centre as a former resident.
Archibald said anyone who would like to connect with her can do so through call or text at 403-478-1095 to find out suitable times and address to drop-off donations; people are being asked to refer to the Facebook page for a needs list.
Calgary SW drop-off location provider Mireille Evans said the volunteer spirit of Calgary and area is once again shining through in the face of B.C.’s provincial state of emergency.
“Last year, I was living in Fort McMurray and we were evacuated … it seems like everything is resurfacing, ” said Evans, who permanently relocated to Calgary with her husband following the northern blaze.
“It’s my turn (to give back), ” said Evans, adding that the chaotic experience of evacuation felt “surreal ” for her family.
Watching the media coverage of the current B.C. wildfire situation, Evans remarked how difficult it is to tell it apart from the Alberta fire one year ago - with people battling similar fears of the unknown.
She also remembers not being able to return home for a full month, except to gather some belongings. The air quality and chaotic aftermath kept many affected residents away for much longer.
Firsthand experience is a motivator for many - like Calgarian Kevin Price, who is offering up his time and truck services to gather donations and bring them into one of the drop-off locations facilitated through the Calgary Helps YMM and Now BC group.
A widower and single dad of an eight-year-old daughter, Price remembers the outpouring of support he received when he was down on his luck and starting over -
including having an older truck donated to him.
“That’s kind of where it started - with that truck, ” he laughed, adding that he will not soon forget the hand-up he received and wants to show his daughter that lending a helping hand is the gift that keeps on giving.
He also well remembers living in Kelowna, B.C., during the 2003 wildfire devastation - watching his own parents evacuated from the area and the challenges the region battled through.
Gas tank donations to keep drivers fuelled are gratefully received.
Jolene Airey, the administrator and founder of Calgary Helps YMM and Now BC., said the great lessons learned through the Fort McMurray fire are exemplified through the well-organized flow of the volunteer relief efforts for the B.C. wildfire.
“I started the group last year after I worked for flood relief two years prior, ” said the Calgarian, adding that she was motivated because “you can sit around and do nothing or do something. ”
Airey said her team is working closely with The Postmen - a group of volunteers who earned their name last year for driving fuel and supplies to northern residents stranded by the fire. The Postmen have a detailed map on their Facebook page with fire updates and donation centre locations.
She added they are also receiving their supplies lists from B.C. firehalls and evacuation centres and confirmed that Calgary Helps YMM and Now BC is the go-to page for people looking to social media for assistance information.
By press time, the current cost of damages was an estimated $53.5 million with 219 fires blazing. More than 14,000 people have been evacuated from their homes throughout communities such as 100 Mile House - home of the 5,000 hectare Gustafsen Lake blaze -
also Ashcroft and Cache Creek, with a long list of additional communities on evacuation alert, such as Princeton and Williams Lake.
Heather Rice, fire information officer for the Gustafsen fire, said that as of Wednesday, fire services had achieved 15 per cent containment and that weather-bearing, some confidence has been restored.
Heavy smoke was one of the factors contributing to the July 9 evacuation order for the town of 100 Mile House, near the Gustafsen fire.
The Red Cross is once again at the forefront of wildlife relief, encouraging people to text FIRES to 45678 to make a $10 donation.
The Cochrane and Area Humane Society is also rallying supplies through its partnership with the Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team and is encouraging supply donations through their website and Facebook page.
The RCMP is sending 40 Special Tactical Operations Members this week to assist in the effort. Cpl. Curtis Peters was not able to confirm whether any of those officers are from Cochrane.
Around 100 firefighters and wildfire personnel from Alberta have been sent out to assist this week.
There is currently an urgent call looking for health care workers to assist the B.C. Interior wildfires.
For updates or to learn more visit bcwildfire.ca.
