Canadian Red Cross: Alberta Wildfires Relief Effort

The Canadian Red Cross has mobilized to help the people affected by wildfires in Alberta. Massive wildfires have triggered the largest fire-related evacuation in Alberta’s history, and due to high temperatures and wind the situation has the potential to become more serious. 12 communities, including Fort McMurray, are currently impacted by the fires, which have damaged and destroyed homes and property.

When people evacuated their communities, they left not knowing if they would have homes to return to. Evacuated residents find themselves in need of a place to stay, food, water and basic supplies.

The Red Cross has a network of highly-trained volunteers who are there to help, and we’re actively scaling up our operations in response to the fires. We are supporting registration, family re-unification, assisting in shelters in Edmonton and Lac La Biche, as well as providing accommodation and basic necessities like food and water. Specially-trained volunteers are providing care and comfort to those who have suffered emotional trauma. Additional personnel are on standby and ready if needed.

We will be working alongside those affected not just today, but for the weeks and months and even years that follow as they recover.

Canadians looking to help can make a donation to the Alberta Fires Appeal, which will help us deliver assistance to those who need it.

If you have been evacuated, or are looking for family members who have been evacuated, register online or by calling 1-888-350-6070. Registering helps response organizations, like the Red Cross, provide support as well as helps reconnect family members following the evacuation.

Looking for more information about wildfire safety? Learn how you can be prepared for forest fire emergencies.