Fort Mac: Where to go if stranded, how you can help
Digital Reporter
Wednesday, May 4, 2016, 3:48 PM -
FORT MCMURRAY FIRE COVERAGE:
- Latest fire updates
- The current Fort McMurray fire situation summed up in 10 terrifying tweets
- Fort McMurray 4 map forecast
- Canadian government responds to Fort McMurray fire
A massive wildfire that broke out Sunday in the municipality of Fort McMurray, Alberta took a turn for the worse Tuesday as hot, dry temperatures coupled with unfavourable wind conditions pushed the flames into city limits, forcing the largest fire evacuation in Alberta's history.
Firefighters are expecting more challenging days ahead, with above-seasonal weather expected to continue into the weekend, an no rain in the forecast until early next week.
LIVE ON LOCATION: Storm Hunter Mark Robinson and reporter Deb Matejicka will be on location covering the intensifying scene near Fort McMurray, Alta. Tune in to TV and check online and mobile often for live reports and updates.
As the fires rage on, social media has erupted with information about where Fort McMurray residents can go if stranded, and what people can do to help.
We're compiling that information here as it becomes available.
Check back often for updates.
RESOURCES FOR FORT MCMURRAY RESIDENTS
On Facebook:
- Facebook has initiated its safety check-in feature for the Fort McMurray region so residents can let loved ones know they are safe.
- Fort McMurray evacuee open source help page
- Fort McMurray evac relocation help group
- News updates can be found on The Weather Network's Facebook page
On Twitter:
- Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (@RMWoodBuffalo)
- @511Alberta
- @YMMHelp
- Alberta Government (@YourAlberta)
- Red Cross Alberta (@RedCrossAB)
- The Weather Network (@weathernetwork)
Misc.:
- If you are searching for a loved one contact the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo at 780-762-3636 or the Red Cross at 1-888-350-6070.
- Here's a list of local kennels that are working to keep Fort McMurray pets safe.
- If you have a missing pet, call the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo at 780-762-3636. Staff will send assistance if possible.
Shelters:
For more information on shelter availability, contact: Blaire McCalla, Noralta Lodge | Email: b.mccalla@noraltalodge.com | Direct: 780.955.8419 | Cell: 780.995.5228
As of Tuesday at 9:30 p.m., the following lodging has been made available to displaced residents. Here's a map of their general locations.
- Anzac Lodge
- Conklin Lodge
- Mariana Lake Lodge
- Tamarack
- Athabaskan Oilsands Corporation
- Firebag Lodge
- McLelland Lake Lodge
- Pebble Beach Lodge
- Wapasu Creek Lodge
- Beach River Executive Lodge
- Henday Lodge
- Birch Mountain
- Fort Hills
- Pioneer
- Firebag Village
Not from Fort McMurray? Scroll down for tips on how you can help displaced residents.
FOR EVERYONE ELSE: HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP THE PEOPLE OF FORT MCMURRAY
- Donate to the Red Cross.
- Here's a Facebook page that was set up to connect Fort McMurray residents in need with volunteers who can help them.
- You can volunteer with the regional municipality by registering with Emergency Social Services.
- Edmonton Food Bank is providing food to evacuees. Donations can be made here.
- Edmonton Emergency Relief is seeking donations of diapers, baby wipes, toiletries, socks and underware. The organization is also seeking volunteers. Call 780-428-4422 for more information.
CHECK BACK AS WE CONTINUE TO UPDATE THIS STORY.