Please send positive thoughts to the people in Fort McMurry, Alberta

[Carebear]

Dear friends,

Most of you may not have heard about the devastating wild fires that are destroying a city in northern Alberta, in Canada.  One road out, the entire population of 80,000 evacuated, so many homes and businesses are already gone. 

If you are so inclined, please say a prayer for these folks.  Things are replaceable.  Lives are precious.

This is particularly emotional for Albertans because almost five years ago to the day, another town was burned down to the ground by wild fires, destroying about one-third of all properties.

[Linda196]

I'm way ahead of you on that one Carebear! I have family and friends in northern Alberta, and these yearly wildfires are a constant fear. The forecast this year is for the worst season in years, possibly even harder hitting than 5 years ago when Slave Lake was devastated.

The last I heard, following transport of a lot of people to Lac La Biche, over 200 KM south, the road south has been closed, The remaining population of Fort Mac was being evaced to camps north of the city, which can house upwards of 40,000, and so far no reports of loss of life.

Prayers and good vibes to the evacuees, and to the firefighters and heavy equipment operators working around the clock to contain this monster and the other 15 (at last count) wildfires in Northern Alberta. And blessings to the citizens of Alberta, who are opening their homes and grounds to those displaced, and providing emergency supplies to evac centers.

[quietdynamics]

Prayers to these families.
I did read something about auto fuel for cars leaving.. perhaps shortages.
I hope everyone gets to a safe place.

[Carebear]

Thankfully no injuries have been reported, howeve 1600  structures are destroyed so far.  The standing together of all Albertans is what amazes me.  Farmers standing along the highway with signs reading "Our home is your home".  The brave first responders who stayed to fight fire, direct traffic, and transport 105 patients from the hospital.

The stories are harrowing...

[Bucky]

Prayers for our neighbors in Canada, in Fort McMurry, Alberta.

So much destruction from this wildfire.  On the evening news tonight, they did say there has been a fatality from the traffic jam trying to get away from the fires.

[irish]

I just read about this on line. It is just an awful thing that is happening. They did mention that there has been one casualty but that it was caused by a car accident during evacuation. I can't imagine the fear and anxiety only to be fueled by the heat and smoke. Prayers will be sent. Irish

[susanep]

I have been watching about it on tv too, and reading about it. It is just terrible. I am praying for the people, and for the end of this as soon as possible. Each year it seems we hear of so many fires, and so much land and structures burned down, and the worst being the precious lives lost.

We have a yearly fire season here in East Tn. where I live, but most fires have been from someone starting them or careless burning of leaves etc.

My ex husband and my dad back then both worked for a company that cut down the large grown pine trees for the hard wood to be sold for many products, but they also went right back behind that and replanted new little ones. Fires would be started, and dad would tell us of some caught and prosecuted. Me and mom were up together many nights seeing red skies where they were burning, and dad and my ex would be out with others in fighting the fires. We have those fire towers everywhere.

My prayers are with all of the people.
susanep