The Fort McMurray disaster still burns bright in Alberta, Canada. The raging wildfire burned for most of last week, and as of Saturday, the fire caused all 80,000 Fort McMurray residents to evacuate. The dashcam videos of those fleeing the inferno are just harrowing. Many citizens have taken off to Calgary and Edmonton while firefighters continue to battle tirelessly against a blaze that could ultimately cost up to $7 billion.
On Sunday, the fire continued to burn after swallowing an area as large as Chicago. Alberta Premier Rachel Notley actually spoke to the Chicago Tribune and said, “In no way is this fire under control.” The fire could burn for months, which is not uncommon, but the vast scope of this disaster does not bode well for containment prospects. As of Sunday, the blaze contains 43 individual wildfires, and seven of them are considered “out of control.” Officials expect the inferno to increase twofold in size, as high wind gusts, low humidity, and temperatures in the 80s aren’t helping the situation. An expected cool front could help slow the fire’s advance, but it won’t be enough to extinguish the inferno.
This weekend, Getty photographers entered Fort McMurray to photograph the devastation wrought by nature. What they discovered was heartbreaking in many ways. Many neighborhoods have been reduced to crumbling structures with possessions rendered to piles of ashes.
Some homes are simply gone after they burned down to the foundation. Once residents are allowed to return to (what used to be) their homes, recovery will take years to accomplish.
These abandoned lawn seating areas were once a place of refuge and relaxation for residents. Now, they’re a haunting sight to behold.
Perhaps the most poignant images show the remains of two swing sets. One of them is completely burned to a crisp while the other one remains partially melted with bright pink seats still visible.
A bicycle and a car suffer similar fates as this ghostly tour continues.
Residents are sheltering at evacuation centers for the foreseeable future. In Lac La Biche, Alberta, many families are seeing a generous outpouring of donated clothing and toys from individuals and companies.
(Via Chicago Tribune, Gizmodo & CBC.ca)