Welcome We are close to be ready to flipped like a steak on the barbecue here in this heat. We have been in the low 90's for the past few weeks with little sign of it cooling much. All of western Canada has been experiencing the same it appears. This is but a snapshot of the fires burning out of control in British Columbia. Most are in remote areas but to date several communities there have already been evacuated and many remain are on evacuation notice. Just last night at 6pm they gave a mandatory evacuation of the entire city of Williams Lake which is located in the central interior. 11,000 people were sent to outlaying communities. Reports are it went very smoothly without incident and all evacuees have been placed in emergency shelters. This photo was taken just north of Williams Lake and gives you an idea of what the people are facing. We in Alberta are reminded of two such evacuations Slave Lake was vacated and 7,000 people were forced to leave. Several homes, city facilities and infrastructure buildings were lost Last year in Fort MacMurry came under the grasp of a ravaging wildfire. At a moments notice 88,000 people were evacuated without fatality. The total loss was 2400 homes and businesses. Plus another 2000 resident were not allowed back into the homes due to contamination of smoke etc. The total loss of property, income and revenue etc was listed at 1.9 Billion dollars The monumental devastation is beyond concept for those of us who live at a distance. Both communities are in the process of being rebuilt. The people have showed their strength and resolve through it all. One of the many images of people fleeing with what they have from Fort McMurry. The normal traffic lanes north and south were instantly turned into 4 lanes heading south. The only vehicles allowed in were those of emergency vehicles and supplies for the support people left in the city. Some of the last views people had as they were leaving the city. The fear in people as they faced this we could not grasp unless you were caught in the path of the fire that was named "The Beast." Even though we are faced with the impossible there are moments such as this caught on camera that teach us humility. With faith and no loss of life so far the homes can be rebuilt. The items last can be replaced in most cases. It was sad to see people combing through the ashes in search of something to call theirs. It is when you see pictures such as these we are reminded we can turn to our faith. British Columbia people are a strong people. Help is arriving from all across Canada in funds and personnel, it is heartwarming to see the outpouring of love. British Columbia like Alberta will rebuild, it is a true blessing to speak with the few people I know who are directly involved. I do pray and ask you to join me in prayer for continued safety over the people and all the front line workers while they fight these battles and for the provision needed to continue. I thank you in joining me in prayer. Blessings and Hugs from Alberta © Rolly A. Chabot
12 Comments
Bill Kovacic
7/17/2017 12:23:59 pm
It's really sad, Rolly. It seems there are natural disasters worldwide anymore - must mean something.
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7/17/2017 12:31:02 pm
Hi Bill...
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Hey there, friend! First, I hope you're a safe distance from those fires. Second, you have fires up there!? Here I thought it was all chilly (because the northern US was more chilly than I thought it would be by a lot!). But I'm also sad for the folks whose homes may be lost. That's a stressful, sad feeling. My parents had to evacuate a couple years ago from their home: the fires came within 1.5 miles of them - it's scary. And here last year, we had severe fires - so much so that they had mandatory "indoor" days due to awful air quality from all the smoke.
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7/17/2017 06:41:57 pm
Hi Cynthia:
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Dear Rolly
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7/18/2017 10:03:14 am
Hi Martie...
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7/18/2017 03:49:03 pm
It's always sketchy on the eastern side of our state during fire season. I think we have about ten going on right now, but so far nothing totally out of control...but it's early still. Crossing fingers that all remain safe the remainder of the summer.
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7/18/2017 04:21:53 pm
Hi Bill
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The situation in BC is so sad, Rolly. Your post brings awareness not only to the disaster but also to the humanitarian efforts and how we all must band together for a solution. If we come together as one we can do so much more than when separate. I'm sending big hugs your way and also hugs to all who are facing hardships of any kind xx
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7/19/2017 11:09:42 am
Hi Christy...
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8/2/2017 04:00:49 pm
Hi Maria...
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October 2018
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