yuuago: (Canada - Sightless)
[personal profile] yuuago
Context: My hometown, Fort McMurray, is on fire.

A mandatory evacuation order was issued last night. 80,000 people have been evacuated. Some of the reports I'm seeing indicate it's closer to 90,000. It's very much an emergency situation up here.

I was able to safely evacuate, along with my family. We've split since that point, but me 'n my brother are currently at a relative's in Fort Saskatchewan - 5 hours away from the fire, very safe. My parents are heading toward Athabasca and will probably join us here later.

There is a severe fuel shortage in the north right now; there are very few communities between the Edmonton area and Fort McMurray, and all of those tiny communities have been absolutely drained of gas. Fortunately, people seem to be approaching it calmly - it looks like the apocalypse, but we ain't in Mad Max territory yet.

We almost didn't make it; when we first got on the road to evacuate, the fire had breached the south road, which is the only proper way out of the city. The only other way out is the north road, which is not actually a way out because it takes you to: the oil refineries, and the lodging residences for out-of-town refinery workers, and one small community, and then... nothing. The road just ends. There is no way out of the municipality by the north road. Those who had to take that route are now lodging at the refinery camps and are, essentially, stuck there for the time being.

Luckily, the south road was opened just in time for us to re-route in that direction.

Chances that my house will be standing when it is safe to go back to the city are... unfortunately low. It is very hot, and very windy, and because of the unusually mild winter and frighteningly hot spring we're having, absolutely everything is going up like tinder. Luckily, I have relatives that I can stay with.

One request: I am lucky. There are many other Fort McMurray evacuees that are not as fortunate as I am. The Canadian Red Cross is taking monetary donations to help deal with this emergency. Additionally, if you are in Canada, especially western Canada and Alberta in particular, there might be other ways for you to help (material donations to places that are housing evacuees, etc). Please check to see if there are any local efforts. Drives from well-known charities/organizations are best, because independent efforts can not always be trusted to be genuine.

Date: 2016-05-04 08:05 pm (UTC)
yohjideranged: (Default)
From: [personal profile] yohjideranged
Oh my goodness! I am so sorry to hear that the fires have reached you and that you will probably be without a home. But I am also very glad that you were able to evacuate safely. Things can be replaced...you and your family safe and sound are the most important thing.

I know this is has to be heartbreaking for you. And for your heartbreak, all I can send you are hugs. I will keep you in my thoughts. Just stay safe.

Date: 2016-05-04 09:04 pm (UTC)
From: (Anonymous)
So happy to hear you're ok! I've been unable to get online for most of the day and I was really worried because from what I gathered from the news the situation is severe and then some. Good that you're all safe.

~Laufey

Date: 2016-05-04 09:49 pm (UTC)
gramarye1971: a lone figure in silhouette against a blaze of white light (Default)
From: [personal profile] gramarye1971
Oh, thank you so much for updating! I've been refreshing DW all day hoping for an update from you - I'm glad to hear you're okay and that you got out. I was planning to make a donation tonight; will definitely do so.

Date: 2016-05-04 11:13 pm (UTC)
dhampyresa: (OM NOM NOM)
From: [personal profile] dhampyresa
I'm so glad you're okay! I've been worrying since I heard the news.

Please continue to stay safe and accept some hugs from me.

Date: 2016-05-05 12:22 am (UTC)
aguacatillo: a sloth (Default)
From: [personal profile] aguacatillo
Thank you for finding the time and strength to post this <3 I'm so glad you got out and are safe with family.

Date: 2016-05-05 01:29 am (UTC)
darjeeling: (STOCK | still a long way from home)
From: [personal profile] darjeeling
I'm really glad to hear you're all right... I've been following the news on it and it's just terrifying to watch.

Date: 2016-05-05 01:53 am (UTC)
st_aurafina: Rainbow DNA (Default)
From: [personal profile] st_aurafina
Oh, that is terrifying - I'm glad you're safe, at least.

Fire is the scariest thing for me, I dread this every summer.

Date: 2016-05-05 05:43 am (UTC)
icelilly: (ukraine)
From: [personal profile] icelilly
I'm so so happy you're safe and okay! I haven't been able to stop worrying after your evacuation post. I've been watching the events unfold on the news and it's terrifying to look at. My thoughts are with you and I'm sending all my hugs as well.

Date: 2016-05-05 07:39 am (UTC)
scowlface: (Default)
From: [personal profile] scowlface
I'm so sorry to hear you have to evacuate, and about the danger to your house. It sounds like a terrifying experience, but I'm glad you're out of the area and are safe. We'll all be thinking about you!

Date: 2016-05-05 11:20 am (UTC)
raskolnikov: Graham Chapman looking rather disgusted (Default)
From: [personal profile] raskolnikov
Good to know you're all safe. I know a bit of how you're feeling as I went through this recently. The only difference is I stayed behind because i was in the fire dept, and it didn't last as long.

It is tough, I hope the fire is put out soon.

We donated last night. I wish i was closer. :(

Date: 2016-05-05 11:29 am (UTC)
raskolnikov: Graham Chapman looking rather disgusted (Default)
From: [personal profile] raskolnikov
Sorry, what i meant by bringing up my fire thing was that if you want/need help with coping, I can share information with you and stuff.

Date: 2016-05-05 01:30 pm (UTC)
filkerdave: Made by LJ user fasterpussycat (Default)
From: [personal profile] filkerdave
Wow, glad you and your family are OK. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the house.

--Urbi

Date: 2016-05-06 02:11 pm (UTC)
tikula: (девушка)
From: [personal profile] tikula
It's good to hear you're okay as can be <3 Sorry about your house D: I know you're traveling now, guess it's good you're able to distract yourself for a little while (?)

I'm thinking of you, Yuu, and the entire situation. Hope it's going to get better.

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yuuago

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