Red Crosser loads van with cots, blankets & comfort kits bound for fire-affected communities on Sunday.
Canadians woke up to the news this morning of massive wildfires sweeping across parts of central and north-central Alberta. The fires, some continuing to burn out of control, have damaged or destroyed approximately 40 percent of the town Slave Lake, including the town hall, local mall and library. Thousands of people living in and around Slave Lake have been forced to evacuate, as emergency workers scramble to get the fires under control and save what is left of the town and people’s homes.
Red Cross team hit the road yesterday with 400 cots, 800 blankets & comfort kits to help fire-affected Albertans.
The Canadian Red Cross received a call for help yesterday and responded immediately. A team of volunteers deployed Sunday afternoon, arriving in the town of Westlock, Alberta Sunday evening with 400 cots, 300 blankets, 500 personal hygiene kits and other supplies. They immediately went to work, helping to set up an emergency shelter and reception centre. Additional evacuation centres have been set up in Edmonton (Rexall Place) and Athabasca (please note, the Athabasca shelter is currently full).
The Canadian Red Cross is registering evacuees to help reconnect them with loved ones and so they may follow up with them to determine appropriate needs and support. Anyone looking for information on loved ones or who may be affected by the evacuation should contact the Red Cross at 1-800-565-4483.
