[Great68]

Dozens of firefighters remained on the scene of an out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray – officials said the fire was believed to have more than doubled in size since Monday.

Later Tuesday afternoon, officials told CTV News the wildfire was 'beyond resources' - meaning it was considered too dangerous to put fire crews and aircraft between the fire and Fort McMurray.

Starting at about 2 p.m., and continuing throughout the afternoon, officials issued an increasing number of evacuation orders for parts of Fort McMurray.
Just before 6:30 p.m. Tuesday – officials confirmed all Fort McMurray residents were under a mandatory evacuation.

For all other residents, officials with the municipality said evacuees should head north of Fort McMurray towards Noralta Lodge – by Tuesday evening, officials said Noralta Lodge was full, followed a short time later by Grey Wolf Lodge. Officials said evacuees would get instructions on where to go once they reached Noralta Lodge.

While residents had experienced traffic delays earlier Tuesday as they tried to evacuate the community, officials said later Tuesday evening that all lanes of Highway 63 starting on the northern edge of the city, at the TaigaNova Crescent, were running northbound.

In a news conference late Tuesday afternoon, officials said MacDonald Island – the centre originally used a reception centre for evacuees, had been evacuated itself.

In addition, officials confirmed to CTV News that the Fort McMurray hospital was being evacuated Tuesday evening.
At about 5 p.m., it was believed about 29,000 people had been evacuated – at that time it was already the largest evacuation due to fire in the province’s history.

Officials have asked residents to avoid areas that are under evacuation notice – saying in a statement: “If you’re not at home, do not return home.”
Those trying to leave the area were encountering traffic issues on the highway heading out of town - all due to traffic volume.

The Fort McMurray Airport has said the fire has prompted the cancellation of some flights - officials asked passengers to contact their airline for their flight status.

Officials said Tuesday that the fire, located just west of Fort McMurray, had grown to more than 2,600 hectares as of Tuesday morning. The last size reported was about 1,285 on Monday.
As of late Tuesday afternoon, officials said nine air tankers, more than a dozen helicopters and more than one hundred firefighters were on scene working to fight the blaze - and more crews were on the way to help.
In addition, the landfill remains closed.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Chj-chNVEAA5j9Y.jpg:large

https://o.twimg.com/2/proxy.jpg?t=HBiZAWh0dHA6Ly9pMS53cC5jb20vc2hhd2dsb2 JhbG5ld3MuZmlsZXMud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8yMDE2LzA1L2Zv cnQtbWNtdXJyYXktZmlyZTcuanBnP2Nyb3A9MHB4JTJDMzBweC UyQzcyMHB4JTJDNDgwcHgmcmVzaXplPTcyMCUyQzQ4MCZxdWFs aXR5PTcwJnN0cmlwPWFsbBSgCxTwBRwUhAYUlAMAABYAEgA&s=_aFqoochmSiMQNrG0_WEVPtPlCSBAW9L--XWMngKTpE

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ChkgvTnWEAElAT1.jpg:large



Absolutely crazy. Mother nature is really kicking them when they're down (Karma?)

[Inaii]

That's some scary shit. Friend's bf works in Ft Mac and was on his way back to work when he got the call to stay in BC. Only time I've ever experienced a wildfire was back in the early 2000s when the area surrounding Princeton went up. Thankfully we didn't have to evacuate but I remember having it hanging over our heads the entire time we were up there.

[westopher]

Was watching a live stream. Things are looking REALLY bad. Hope everyone gets out safe.

[ScizzMoney]

Hope everyone burns. I need a fucking job.

:nyan:

[EmperorIS]

Was watching a live stream. Things are looking REALLY bad. Hope everyone gets out safe.

Link to the live stream please?

[DGN23]

All of Fort McMurray evacuated as wildfire intensifies | Globalnews.ca (http://globalnews.ca/news/2677885/mayor-issues-warnings-as-fire-situation-in-fort-mcmurray-intensifies/)

A good friend and his gf have been trying to get out since about 4. Sounds like a a bit of shit show up there.

[slicrick]

A friend of mine is trying to leave there currently, apparently some of the fires have even spread over the highway, looks pretty bad up there. Pics spoiler'd below.

http://i.imgur.com/iumlZA4.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/FhHrBnS.jpg

[yray]

im suprised with all those lifted trucks, no one is driving on the highway median.

[westopher]

I hate to sound all doomsday preacher here, but fort mac may literally never recover from this if its anything like the slave lake fires.

[MG1]

Wildfire caused by humans or nature?

Hopefully not by some selfish, son-of-a-bitch arsonist.

[Inaii]

Or some irresponsible smoker =/

[ScizzMoney]

My guess would be a smoker. Hasn't been any lightning around.

[sdubfid]

the scumbags will be looting

[Doubl3_H]

Airports down, it's gonna be a long travel day back to Vancouver.
They bringing in civilians into our camp apparently.

[b0unce. [?]]

im suprised with all those lifted trucks, no one is driving on the highway median.

I've never been to Fort Mac so I'm not aware of the landscape, but if I was there with my truck, I would 4x4 the fuck out of there.

[ScizzMoney]

Just saw the weather update for Fort Mac.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QLSRMoKKS0

[Presto]

Pretty crazy progression from the airport (https://www.webcamgalore.com/EN/webcam/Canada/Fort-McMurray/20908.html):

https://images.webcamgalore.com/webcam-Fort-McMurray-20908-11.jpg

https://images.webcamgalore.com/webcam-Fort-McMurray-20908-12.jpg

https://images.webcamgalore.com/webcam-Fort-McMurray-20908-13.jpg

https://images.webcamgalore.com/webcam-Fort-McMurray-20908-14.jpg

https://images.webcamgalore.com/webcam-Fort-McMurray-20908-15.jpg

https://images.webcamgalore.com/webcam-Fort-McMurray-20908-16.jpg

[noclue]

Isn't this a blessing in disguise for laid off workers?
Home prices dropped 30%+
Truck payments
Ski-doo payments

all covered by insurance. Although maybe the insurance companies might try to weasel out.

[westopher]

Holy fuck, and the full fucking retard has begun on FB.
People are actually BLAMING THE ALBERTA NDP GOVERNMENT FOR THE FIRES.
Time to do some sterilizing.

[underscore]

;8752522']I've never been to Fort Mac so I'm not aware of the landscape, but if I was there with my truck, I would 4x4 the fuck out of there.

I'd rather be crawling down the pavement than risk being stuck and completely fucked.

[320icar]

In addition, the landfill remains closed.

Oh god no, that's the real disaster!!!!



... Why the fuck did they end the news piece on that note? Who the fuck cares, hundreds of people are going to lose their homes :(

[SoNaRWaVe]

im suprised with all those lifted trucks, no one is driving on the highway median.

you ever think vancity will ever remain that civil if something ever like that happened here?

[nabs]

im suprised with all those lifted trucks, no one is driving on the highway median.

I saw some videos of people crossing the median to drive in the oncoming lane, mind you nobody was trying to get back in the city, there were a few of them in a row.

[underscore]

^ apparently all 4 lanes are now designated southbound, any traffic attempting to go north has been blocked.

[Razor Ramon HG]

Potato picture from my friend's phone

[SkinnyPupp]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Sqj2bm1VwF0

:ahwow:

[Zedbra]

I have friends up there and they said it was chaos trying to get out of town but they are now safe. I heard people were driving in the median, quads with their guns ripping past - almost a little apocalyptic movie scene like. Reports from this morning aren't too positive, hopefully the human loss is nil.

Facebook has set up this page for you to check on your friends, or for others to report them safe if you know they are okay:

https://www.facebook.com/safetycheck/fortmcmurray-wildfire-may03-2016/?uid=527606466

[meme405]

I have many friends up there I've worked with for years. They are all safe luckily, but things are pretty bad from the sounds of it.

I've seen ignorant comments for all sorts of news pieces, but the stupid shit some people are saying with regards to this just takes the cake. These are human beings, families with children who are affected by this, fire fighters and emergency personnel risking their life to save the livelihood of these people. To wish harm or bad things upon them because of what the town is known for, or the work they do in that area is appalling. So far all the stories I have heard from the mac are of people helping each other. Like someone else in this thread said, if Vancouver we're to go up like Fort Mac is right now, I can only imagine how uncivilized the chaos would be. I mean come on we looted after our hockey team lost an inconsequential trophy.

[Digitalis]

Just got back from beautiful sunny calgary yesterday coming into YVR and having it cloudy and rainy....BrokeBack

[GLOW]

im suprised with all those lifted trucks, no one is driving on the highway median.

heard they're using the other side for evacuation as well

[gilly]

Crazy Video


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKUeBWh50OQ

[Reeyal]

Holy fuck, and the full fucking retard has begun on FB.
People are actually BLAMING THE ALBERTA NDP GOVERNMENT FOR THE FIRES.
Time to do some sterilizing.

Some people on FB are so misinformed.
The NDP government cut the budget for fighting wild fires:
Alberta cuts nearly $15 million from wildfire management budget | Edmonton Journal (http://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/alberta-cuts-nearly-15-million-from-wildfire-management-budget)

Budgets are not set in stone. They can spend whatever they want.

[underscore]

Like someone else in this thread said, if Vancouver we're to go up like Fort Mac is right now, I can only imagine how uncivilized the chaos would be. I mean come on we looted after our hockey team lost an inconsequential trophy.

I think the lack of major roads helps control the chaos, Vancouver would be a gongshow with all the routes you could try to take to get out. As for the looting you can at least partially blame that on those knobs that came from out of town just to start a riot, a bit harder for that to happen during a sudden wildfire.

On a side note how the balls is the population so high? Looking on Google Maps Fort Mac is fucking tiny.

[westopher]

Some people on FB are so misinformed.
The NDP government cut the budget for fighting wild fires:
Alberta cuts nearly $15 million from wildfire management budget | Edmonton Journal (http://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/alberta-cuts-nearly-15-million-from-wildfire-management-budget)

Budgets are not set in stone. They can spend whatever they want.
I have literally seen people post that "Notley cut the budget for fires up there in hopes that they wouldn't be able to control the wildfires so Fort Mac could burn to the ground"
I think the same people would believe she sets the price for oil, and she flew the plane into the world trade centre.

[meme405]

Highway is still pretty jammed up, lots of people with nowhere to go.

A large group of Rig welders seem to have banded together and are running up and down the highway with Fuel, water and snacks for those stuck in their cars or low on supplies. :thumbs:

[Zedbra]

I just found this link on another site for others to donate to the Red Cross specifically for these people that are losing everything: https://donate.redcross.ca/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1951&ea.campaign.id=50610&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=NO-DM

I pitched in my $200, I hope others can find it within their means to help our neighbours during such a disaster.

[jasonturbo]

There will be almost no work taking place in Ft. Mac over the summer as a result of the fire, if you work in Ft. Mac and rely on that income expect to endure a prolonged delay before you are able to return to work.

We had meetings this morning with three major producers, they are all expecting to operate with essential personnel only, other than operations and projects which are essential to operations everything else will be delayed until the city returns to some level or normal.

[RRxtar]

Hey Justin Trudeau. There's about 80,000 more refugees in Alberta right now with nothing but the clothes on their backs and no where to go home to. Except these ones are Canadians.

Your move.

[Manic!]

Hey Justin Trudeau. There's about 80,000 more refugees in Alberta right now with nothing but the clothes on their backs and no where to go home to. Except these ones are Canadians.

Your move.

Nothing but clothes on there backs???? you can't be serious.

[Hondaracer]

I have a hard time finding the reasoning to donate money to causes like this.

Obviously there are people who don't work in the oil/gas industry who will indeed endure crazy hardships from this, but for a vast majority of the people there hasn't been a place with more decadence, overspending, lavish lifestyles as there are in places like this.

Imo this is on the provincial and federal government to look after. We're a first world country and this paticulat instance is the epicenter of Canadian wealth over the past 20 years. Sorry but Red Cross won't be getting my money, got enough problems and needs of my own to support this type of cause with all the background around it.

[Zedbra]

I have a hard time finding the reasoning to donate money to causes like this.

Obviously there are people who don't work in the oil/gas industry who will indeed endure crazy hardships from this, but for a vast majority of the people there hasn't been a place with more decadence, overspending, lavish lifestyles as there are in places like this.

Imo this is on the provincial and federal government to look after. We're a first world country and this paticulat instance is the epicenter of Canadian wealth over the past 20 years. Sorry but Red Cross won't be getting my money, got enough problems and needs of my own to support this type of cause with all the background around it.

There is a simple reason - they are fellow countrymen in desperate need. Prejudice all you like about how you think they lived, it changes not whom they are truly are - average people like you and me.

Vancouver, by your standard, would be the epitome of 1st world decadence, living off the backs of those that work for your everyday needs. Now they need us.

[CivicBlues]

There is a simple reason - they are fellow countrymen in desperate need. Prejudice all you like about how you think they lived, it changes not whom they are truly are - average people like you and me.

Vancouver, by your standard, would be the epitome of 1st world decadence, living off the backs of those that work for your everyday needs. Now they need us.

Yup, I shudder to think what the internet comments from the rest of Canada would be if the big one ever hit Vancouver.

"More waterfront property at cheaper prices!"
"why do they need aid? They can all just get high off their BC Bud"
"great, now we can sell them to China at a discount"

[Great68]

There is a simple reason - they are fellow countrymen in desperate need. Prejudice all you like about how you think they lived, it changes not whom they are truly are - average people like you and me..

I dunno.

I agree that these few days of evacuation and uncertainty are tough and need help for relief.

However, if these people had the smarts to buy insurance they should be able to get back on their feet and their lives going again after this all blows over.

[meme405]

I dunno.

I agree that these few days of evacuation and uncertainty are tough and need help for relief.

However, if these people had the smarts to buy insurance they should be able to get back on their feet and their lives going again after this all blows over.

Do you know what kind of work the red cross does?

They help setup temporary shelters for people, so they dont have to sleep in their car, they care for children, they help families, they provide meals, and first aid, etc. Stuff that is necessary before your insurance kicks in.

I heard literally the stupidest thing today, when emergency shelters were setup in one of the community centers, someone commented and said, "Oh their rich, they can afford hotels"...:fulloffuck:

Ever seen a hotel which has 60000 rooms? Yeah it doesn't exist.

[Tapioca]

To be fair, any home insurance that's worth its weight will provide for the reimbursement of temporary housing costs for a certain period of time. Even AirBnB lodging is valid for a lot of insurers.

I imagine we'll be hearing some stories of people not being sufficiently insured.

[meme405]

To be fair, any home insurance that's worth its weight will provide for the reimbursement of temporary housing costs for a certain period of time. Even AirBnB lodging is valid for a lot of insurers.

I imagine we'll be hearing some stories of people not being sufficiently insured.

Again, there is 60 000 people being displaced by this. It's not cost or money, it's the fact that there simply isn't a permanent place large enough to house all those people.

That's where agencies like red cross step in and set up temporary places. This is where they excel, and that's what the money you donate to red cross goes towards.

[Great68]

Do you know what kind of work the red cross does?

They help setup temporary shelters for people, so they dont have to sleep in their car, they care for children, they help families, they provide meals, and first aid, etc. Stuff that is necessary before your insurance kicks in.

I heard literally the stupidest thing today, when emergency shelters were setup in one of the community centers, someone commented and said, "Oh their rich, they can afford hotels"...:fulloffuck:

Ever seen a hotel which has 60000 rooms? Yeah it doesn't exist.

I was kind of agreeing with that, it's for the period of evacuation that relief and aid is necessary.

My comment was more directed at what happens when this is all over, to say that these people will be left with "Nothing" is not true, unless they were negligent or too poor to afford insurance.

[westopher]

Hey Justin Trudeau. There's about 80,000 more refugees in Alberta right now with nothing but the clothes on their backs and no where to go home to. Except these ones are Canadians.

Your move.

What the fuck do you expect him to do right now? Fly in a bunch of fucking helicopters with houses attached to drop down and provide everybody some instant housing?

[Jmac]

Donated to the Red Cross ...

Going to stay off Facebook for a while or else I'm going to end up blocking half of my douchebag Fort Mac friends who act like they're doing the world a favour by being there. My wall is filled with more condescending bullshit and political (racist) tirades than actual information about the fire and well wishes towards the people who live and/or work there.

[underscore]

There is a simple reason - they are fellow countrymen in desperate need. Prejudice all you like about how you think they lived, it changes not whom they are truly are - average people like you and me.

I'm all for helping those in need, however I've seen it happen multiple times where scumbags use things like this to cash in, so I'm pretty cautious about throwing money at things unless I can see how it can go straight to helping the cause immediately.

Also this may make me sound like an asshole but I have zero interest in helping people who chose to go without insurance (after the dust has settled and people are making insurance claims), they made that choice and I think they should deal with the consequences rather than have other people cover their losses.

[westopher]

For me the insurance thing is not so black and white, but yeah if you can afford a sled and a quad, and you've got a family, you better pay for insurance or you are an absolute moron.

[Cwift]

Another evacuation notice for a fire 70~ km west of Edmonton on a reserve

[SpartanAir]

Donated to the Red Cross ...

Going to stay off Facebook for a while or else I'm going to end up blocking half of my douchebag Fort Mac friends who act like they're doing the world a favour by being there. My wall is filled with more condescending bullshit and political (racist) tirades than actual information about the fire and well wishes towards the people who live and/or work there.

Why are you friends with douchebags? :badpokerface:

[Zedbra]

I'm all for helping those in need, however I've seen it happen multiple times where scumbags use things like this to cash in, so I'm pretty cautious about throwing money at things unless I can see how it can go straight to helping the cause immediately.

Also this may make me sound like an asshole but I have zero interest in helping people who chose to go without insurance (after the dust has settled and people are making insurance claims), they made that choice and I think they should deal with the consequences rather than have other people cover their losses.

There is a big gap between rebuilding, albeit with insurance or not, and 70,000 people now without homes, work, and more importantly food. Between waiting for insurance estimates etc, they will require to pay bills for phones, insurance on cars, food/shelter - and this is where the Red Cross helps in spades (food/shelter/medicine).

[Jmac]

Why are you friends with douchebags? :badpokerface: At one point (before they moved to Alberta), they weren't douchebags. Also, it's easier to ignore them than it is to deal with the aftermath of the heinous act of defriending them.

To be fair, they seldom post, so it's not really a big annoyance. I get to see their new homes, trucks, toys, vacations, etc. which is fine; better than the usual garbage posted on Facebook (spam, quizzes, click-bait, etc.). Whenever there's an election (or this), they're intolerable, though.

It just amazes me how much they changed since we were teenagers.

[FerrariEnzo]

http://wpmedia.edmontonjournal.com/2016/05/a-wall-of-fire-rages-outside-of-fort-mcmurray-alta-tuesday.jpeg?quality=55&strip=all http://www.metronews.ca/content/dam/thestar/uploads/2016/5/3/fortmacfire2-3.jpg.size.xxlarge.promo.jpg


Can we link twitter video feeds?

[Timpo]

https://www.facebook.com/Fullturbo/videos/1715154978757377/

[JSALES]

^ that isn't Fort Mac

[yray]

Anzac, the evacuation center for Fort Mac is being ordered to evacuate and move to Edmonton.

[Bouncing Bettys]

I can't recall in recent memory an event which has generated so much stupid from either end of the political spectrum.

[cruz-in]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ChkoW4kUYAE109-.jpg

"25000 ft above Ft Mac"

holy fuck. I hope people with asthma and bronchitis or any type of breathing conditions take proper precautions.

don't want any body breathing that type of air.

[twitchyzero]

Yup, I shudder to think what the internet comments from the rest of Canada would be if the big one ever hit Vancouver.

"More waterfront property at cheaper prices!"
"why do they need aid? They can all just get high off their BC Bud"
"great, now we can sell them to China at a discount"

this

they live in multimillion dollar homes and drive lambos...why should Vancouverites need my monetary support?

[jjson]

https://www.facebook.com/CTVEdmonton/videos/1015668428468211/

Holyyyy shieeeeeet

Still safer than No. 3 Rd in Richmond on a Saturday afternoon tho

[FerrariEnzo]

wow.. cant imagine what the air is like... how to people breath without proper masks?

[Ch28]

https://www.facebook.com/CTVEdmonton/videos/1015668428468211/

Holyyyy shieeeeeet

Still safer than No. 3 Rd in Richmond on a Saturday afternoon tho

I'm impressed at how orderly everyone was when the fire was up to the right of them.

[Hehe]

I'm impressed at how orderly everyone was when the fire was up to the right of them.

Thank god this is Canada.

Imagine this happens in China.:pokerface:

[Lomac]

Quick time lapse of the fire converging on the Fort Mac airport.

http://www.cbc.ca/newsblogs/yourcommunity/slow_gif_airport_fires.gif

:heckno:

What's scary is that many people were forced to drive North of the city, towards the oil fields themselves. The problem is that the only way out from there is back through Fort McMurray. I know the fire isn't (currently) traveling North, but winds can change in an instant.

[hud 91gt]

If that were to change, evacuation would happen by air. I've evacuated many reserves by air in Manitoba due to fires. It's a bit of a gong show, but everyone gets out (Pending there isn't 40,000 people up there).

[Reeyal]

Front facing dash cam:
https://youtu.be/XP_7I9QB_i4

Rear facing:
https://youtu.be/M7PTrZMef28

[JSALES]

^ just chaos, looks like a scene out of a dooms day movie

[punkwax]

I was surprised to see how long the motorcyclist stayed behind him. Many people on two wheels don't sit in traffic like that in perfect weather!

[Lomac]

Jesus. Can't imagine the heat that biker felt in the rear view dash cam.

[murd0c]

you can tell when the heat hit the biker he said fuck it and just took off

[Hondaracer]

this

they live in multimillion dollar homes and drive lambos...why should Vancouverites need my monetary support?

They shouldn't. This isn't Haiti

[twitchyzero]

neither is Japan in 2011...nor New Orleans in 2005.

Sure no injuries/fatalities as a direct result reported yet, but natural disaster is natural disaster...any immediate support to help those displaced will likely be beneficial regardless of the population/victims' financial background.

Contributing is your choice and there's no pressure to do so but the rationale just seems flawed

[Sid Vicious]

do they have any idea what caused the fire?

and tough year for alberta's economy, first oil price tanks then this lol

[swiftshift]

Absolutely insane.

[pastarocket]

If Crusty and the Liberals actually care about British Columbia and the risk of wildfires like the shit storm in Fort Mac now, the provincial government must do much more work in clearing the undergrowth that builds up in our forests over the years. I am talking about dead trees, branches, etc. the potential fuel sources that can start dangerous wildfires in the summer. The Liberals in BC need much more preventative measures in forest management to be done quickly to lower the risk of big wildfires from happening in BC forests.

Less time campaigning for LNG and more time and resources spent on preventing forest fires, Crusty. :mad:

[murd0c]

is there any word on how much of Fort Mac the fire destroyed yet?

[underscore]

^ some neighbourhoods are apparently 90+% gone already. Have they been able to fully evac everyone yet or are some people still stuck on the roads?

[unit]

is there any word on how much of Fort Mac the fire destroyed yet?

this morning they kept saying 1600 buildings destroyed.

[underscore]

NASA just shared this on Facebook:

Wildfire Spreads in Fort McMurray

On May 4, 2016, the the Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) on the Landsat 7 satellite acquired this false-color image of the wildfire that burned through Fort McMurray in Alberta, Canada. The image combines shortwave infrared, near infrared, and green light (bands 5-4-2). Near- and short-wave infrared help penetrate clouds and smoke to reveal the hot spots associated with active fires, which appear red. Smoke appears white and burned areas appear brown.

Wildfire Spreads in Fort McMurray : Natural Hazards (http://go.nasa.gov/23sH1Mp)

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13174142_10154204892652139_8348756065695633895_n.j pg?oh=2906ae966c7874e66c1a48784f843f46&oe=57E5274B

[pastarocket]

is there any word on how much of Fort Mac the fire destroyed yet?

Global News reported this morning that the wildfires destroyed up to 85,000 hectares of Fort Mac. :heckno:

[Hondaracer]

Will be interesting to see what happens going forward.

Fort Mac's infrastructure has been built up to this point over the past 30+ years, with oil at such a low I'm wondering how much motivation there will be to rebuild

[SkunkWorks]

Couple buddies of mine organized a delivery of supplies from Edmonton. Really awesome to see people come together in times like this.

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13177480_10209527877782884_7563844447177647723_n.j pg?oh=2a2ca95d0dc51c97df9d0dfb12c94998&oe=57DF9A43
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p526x296/13139125_10209527877862886_7651054119698659797_n.j pg?oh=c72cc5e69977ce43df8cfaf69661351e&oe=57B28FA8
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13124566_10209526878637906_5428990762360845880_n.j pg?oh=9258a4a52fbeea321c0d5526f0c7bbc3&oe=57B29EB4

[JSALES]

Westjet flew patients out to Edmonton

Fort McMurray hospital staff move patients to safety, some flown on WestJet planes to Edmonton | CTV News (http://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/canada/fort-mcmurray-hospital-staff-move-patients-to-safety-some-flown-on-westjet-planes-to-edmonton-1.2888383)

[sdubfid]

If Crusty and the Liberals actually care about British Columbia and the risk of wildfires like the shit storm in Fort Mac now, the provincial government must do much more work in clearing the undergrowth that builds up in our forests over the years. I am talking about dead trees, branches, etc. the potential fuel sources that can start dangerous wildfires in the summer. The Liberals in BC need much more preventative measures in forest management to be done quickly to lower the risk of big wildfires from happening in BC forests.

Less time campaigning for LNG and more time and resources spent on preventing forest fires, Crusty. :mad:

You've got to be kidding they might as well pick up every rock while they're at it so nobody sprains an ankle.

[hud 91gt]

Fires happen. In fact it's part of nature. A fresh burn clears out old dead forest and promotes regrowth. In fact, so much that many forest fires are allowed to burn in non threat areas.

Having a good contract with some serious waters bombers and ground crews will keep the cities from burning down. Sometimes the weather overcomes the defense mechanisms and you get this.

My buddy flys one of the big bombers up there right now. He literally finished initial training for the season, the day prior to being called out to this. Their contract work wasn't supposed to start for 2 more weeks. This fire hit early in the season, they are lucky as many crews were able to get there as it is.

It's sucks, but it's Mother Nature.

[melloman]

With the amount of fires and such in BC/Alberta/Sask/Manitoba.. this should go to a federal level of the government where instead of F-35's doing fuck all, we construct massive waterbombing cargo planes.

Get Bombardier to make them as we keep bailing them out to begin with.

[Spoon]

If Crusty and the Liberals actually care about British Columbia and the risk of wildfires like the shit storm in Fort Mac now, the provincial government must do much more work in clearing the undergrowth that builds up in our forests over the years. I am talking about dead trees, branches, etc. the potential fuel sources that can start dangerous wildfires in the summer. The Liberals in BC need much more preventative measures in forest management to be done quickly to lower the risk of big wildfires from happening in BC forests.

Less time campaigning for LNG and more time and resources spent on preventing forest fires, Crusty. :mad:

If she used that as part of her platform prior to this incident, you'd call her out as paranoid and wasting tax dollars. Preventative measures simply doesn't buy votes. Live with it.

[hud 91gt]

With the amount of fires and such in BC/Alberta/Sask/Manitoba.. this should go to a federal level of the government where instead of F-35's doing fuck all, we construct massive waterbombing cargo planes.

Get Bombardier to make them as we keep bailing them out to begin with.

Bombardier makes the best amphibious bomber out there, the cl-415. It seems every province uses them except BC and Alberta(215 or 415). Big $$$$

[Reeyal]

NASA just shared this on Facebook:



https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13174142_10154204892652139_8348756065695633895_n.j pg?oh=2906ae966c7874e66c1a48784f843f46&oe=57E5274B

Wow, the wild fire took out a lot of areas of town. This is what Fort McMurray supposed to look like:

https://goo.gl/maps/vGELDcqJC1H2

[underscore]

^ for the lazy

27119

Looks like basically everything west of Hwy 63 is gone, but a bit of wind the wrong way could likely take out the rest of the city.

[Great68]

The Size of the Fort Mac Fire in relation to other cities:

http://www.macleans.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/vancouver.jpg

http://www.macleans.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/calgary.png

http://www.macleans.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/saskatoon.jpg

http://www.macleans.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/toronto.jpg

http://www.macleans.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/newyork.jpg

http://www.macleans.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/london.jpg

[pastarocket]

Please, Mother Nature, stop the wind and bring heavy rain to Fort Mac.
:tears:

[Digitalis]

Well whats really needed are controlled burns so you dont get out of control burns.
You've got to be kidding they might as well pick up every rock while they're at it so nobody sprains an ankle.

[originalhypa]

Please, Mother Nature, stop the wind and bring heavy rain to Fort Mac.
:tears:

Well said.
I'm amazed every fall when the rain starts up again and the fire are extinguished. The province basically burns until late September when everything cools down again.

[meme405]

To be fair for those talking about preventing fires in BC. I was in the back country just outside merritt mountain biking this past week after work every day, and it seems like every night we would see 10-15 British Columbia trucks driving out from Range Road 18.

At 4 people in each vehicle there was conservatively 50 people in the bush all week clearing out undergrowth and conducting controlled burns to protect the area around Merritt and the Coq. You could see the work they had done as well, entire blocks of tree's had the area around them cleared out completely.

So it's not like the province here is doing nothing, if I caught these crews working in Merritt, I am sure there are others all over the province.

SIDE NOTE: All of the trucks were newer Dodge 1 ton's, crew cab, long box, diesel. Not a bad way to spend 500k crusty cunt...

[murd0c]

This is a great story to push all of the BS to the side for a bit!!

Fort McMurray Wildfire: Syrian refugees in Calgary pitch in to help | Calgary Herald (http://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/we-understand-what-theyre-feeling-syrian-refugees-in-calgary-step-up-to-help-fort-mcmurray-fire-evacuees)

When Rita Khanchet saw images of a vicious wildfire destroying homes and uprooting tens of thousands in Fort McMurray, she immediately thought of Syria, the homeland she fled just five months ago with her husband and young son.

Khanchet and her family know firsthand how scary it is to leave a community, home and possessions behind and she was determined to help the people of Fort McMurray.

“It’s not easy to lose everything. We can understand them more than anyone in Canada. We were in the same situation,” said Khanchet, who lives in Calgary.

“Me and my family wanted to do something for these people. Canadian society helped us when we came to Canada.”

Syrian refugees across Calgary are now giving what little they have to northern Albertans, after Khanchet posted an appeal in Arabic on a private Facebook group the newcomers created and frequent.

“(Canadians) gave us everything. And now it’s time to return the favour,” she wrote.

A fellow Syrian refugee translated and shared Khanchet’s post with a wider community on the Syrian Refugee Support Group page and within hours offers of help came in from new Canadians determined to give back to their new home.

“All the Syrians are saying, ‘I’m ready to give, I’m ready to give,'” said Saima Jamal, a co-founder of the Syrian Refugee Support Group.

“It’s amazing. You have to understand how little these guys have…But they understand the idea of an entire city losing their home. That’s something they can easily relate to. They went through that.”

While some newcomers offered to donate their furniture or clothes (which were donated to them by generous Canadians just months ago), the group settled on collecting $5 from any Syrian who has it.

The funds are going towards purchasing hygiene items for evacuees from Fort McMurray, items the Syrian refugees received when they arrived in Canada just months ago through a group called 99 Hampers of Hope.

Khanchet said refugees of all ages who’ve settled in Calgary want to help the people of Fort McMurray.

Find out how you can help victims of the Fort McMurray wildfires.

When she told her five-year-old son Elie about what was happening in northern Alberta, he collected his toys and said he wanted to give them to other children who didn’t have toys.

“We understand what they’re feeling. When you lose everything, you have to start from zero. You lose your memories, your items. It’s not easy. It’s something very sad. We can totally understand their feeling,” Khanchet said.

“We are very thankful to the Canadian people and we want to be a part of this society. We will do our best to be a good part of this society. By doing that, maybe we can return a little bit of the great job that Canadian people did for us.”

[RRxtar]

if you think this is bad, wait until all that pine beetle killed timber really dries out.

https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hre/topics/mpb.jpg

combine that with the trend towards hotter summers, with much longer periods in between rain falls.

[Jmac]

Assuming the CPC/IRI ENSO forecast is correct, we should be transtioning from el niño to ENSO neutral some time in the next few months and into la niña by fall. They're supposed to update their forecast at the end of next week.

Climate Prediction Center: ENSO Diagnostic Discussion (http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.html)
International Research Institute for Climate and Society | 2016 April Quick Look (http://iri.columbia.edu/our-expertise/climate/forecasts/enso/current/?enso_tab=enso-cpc_plume)

[Marshall Placid]

For easy, no hassle donations, text REDCROSS to 30333 to make a $5 donation.

[Hondaracer]

if you think this is bad, wait until all that pine beetle killed timber really dries out.

https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hre/topics/mpb.jpg

combine that with the trend towards hotter summers, with much longer periods in between rain falls.

most of it in the areas i frequent in the kamloops/interior has been bone dry for the past 3-4 years at this point already, no longer red but grey.

Grey at least looks a lot more appealing than the red trees

[Lomac]

most of it in the areas i frequent in the kamloops/interior has been bone dry for the past 3-4 years at this point already, no longer red but grey.

Grey at least looks a lot more appealing than the red trees

That's what concerns me the most about living in the Interior. Lots of completely dead trees that are just waiting for a single spark.

[Durrann]

Just unreal.

[Soundy]

If Crusty and the Liberals actually care about British Columbia and the risk of wildfires like the shit storm in Fort Mac now, the provincial government must do much more work in clearing the undergrowth that builds up in our forests over the years. I am talking about dead trees, branches, etc. the potential fuel sources that can start dangerous wildfires in the summer. The Liberals in BC need much more preventative measures in forest management to be done quickly to lower the risk of big wildfires from happening in BC forests.

Less time campaigning for LNG and more time and resources spent on preventing forest fires, Crusty. :mad:

You realize there have been prescribed burns going on all over the province since at least late winter, right?

[Soundy]

To be fair for those talking about preventing fires in BC. I was in the back country just outside merritt mountain biking this past week after work every day, and it seems like every night we would see 10-15 British Columbia trucks driving out from Range Road 18.

At 4 people in each vehicle there was conservatively 50 people in the bush all week clearing out undergrowth and conducting controlled burns to protect the area around Merritt and the Coq. You could see the work they had done as well, entire blocks of tree's had the area around them cleared out completely.

So it's not like the province here is doing nothing, if I caught these crews working in Merritt, I am sure there are others all over the province.

Try following the Wildfire Branch's Facebook page - they post regularly about prescribed burns taking place, mainly so people don't worry when they see the smoke. Controlled burns have been underway since at least late winter, all over BC... and those are just the ones close to population centers that they post about.

SIDE NOTE: All of the trucks were newer Dodge 1 ton's, crew cab, long box, diesel. Not a bad way to spend 500k crusty cunt...
Given the men and equipment they have to haul around and some of the terrain they need to cover... anything less would be half-assed.

[Soundy]

That's what concerns me the most about living in the Interior. Lots of completely dead trees that are just waiting for a single spark.

Some crews came through our place 2-3 years ago and took down all the beetle kill on our land... didn't cost us anything, they just wanted the wood. Fair deal. There's still fuel around, but it's not nearly as bad.

[underscore]

Saw this stupidity pop up on Facebook, if you check YYT is St. Johns, Newfoundland

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13124521_10153952594799504_5681946865677509409_n.j pg?oh=f054f0fad702cc250b263e8cda89ff1e&oe=579DEB40

Rebecca Burley
19 hrs ·

Hey Air CANADA, so much for being Canadian and helping in time of need. Let's jack up the prices to make it even harder for people in Fort Mac to leave. Way to go
Share this post with the hash tag ‪#‎DONTFLYAIRCANADA‬

Don't fly air Canada again!!

I just checked and the last flight (can't check the other since they're gone already) maxes out at $1118 for Business class (the economy ticket is $376, cheaper than that Westjet one). Maybe she should be complaining about whoever is charging 4x the rate AC is and not AC themselves.

[sdubfid]

Probably the same person who was stranded and wouldn't accept free gas because it wasn't premium

[murd0c]

Here's the actual article with what happed on the air Canada flights

Fort McMurray fire: Air Canada to offer partial refunds for people fleeing wildfire | Globalnews.ca (http://globalnews.ca/news/2682450/fort-mcmurray-fire-air-canada-to-offer-partial-refunds-for-people-fleeing-wildfire/)

[Vansterdam]

heres a update of how big the fire has gotten. holy fuck

How big is the Fort McMurray fire? - Macleans.ca (http://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/how-big-is-the-fort-mcmurray-fire/)

http://www.macleans.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/vancouver_done.jpg

[Zedbra]

Rex says this rather well, as to what this should mean to 'decent' people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yThu2qcRyJY

[JSALES]

Hopefully Fort Mac gets some rain soon

[Manic!]

Air Canada is not gouging it's surge pricing just like Uber.

[ScizzMoney]

Air Canada is not gouging it's surge pricing just like Uber.

100% correct.

BUT, westjet also has surge pricing and their prices were manually kept low (according to a friend of mine who works at westjet here in Calgary) and that is why people are mad.

Plus, people just like to bitch at anything.

[Jmac]

Probably the same person who was stranded and wouldn't accept free gas because it wasn't premium
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LltM2fgWaXw

[Manic!]

100% correct.

BUT, westjet also has surge pricing and their prices were manually kept low (according to a friend of mine who works at westjet here in Calgary) and that is why people are mad.

Plus, people just like to bitch at anything.


I think Surge pricing is B.S.

[cho]

https://imgur.com/JCjMrYr

My friend of a friend who's a helicopter pilot out there

[TouringTeg]

I've visited Fort Mac and my wife's brother, sister in law, step mom and her boyfriend are all there. My wife's father also works there but is laid off and living on Vancouver Island.

Her sister in law is pregnant in 2 weeks so it was extra stressful. They were evacuated north and got out safely to Mackay River camp and then to Firebag. The three of them were air lifted out to Calgary first since medical issues were first then families with children. They have a half duplex and a townhouse and both are still standing at this point. Things could change though.

They are safe in Calgary in an apartment now. Our family and strangers are sending her baby supplies since most of it was left behind. She will have everything she needs now. Amazing how people come together to help.

They have been told it will be weeks at best before they will be working again. It sounds like Alberta will be providing financial support to residents.

My heart goes out to all the residents of Fort Mac.

[pastarocket]

Google images of the areas of Fort Mac that suffered significant damage from the wildfires (areas circled in red):

http://globalnews.ca/news/2684778/fort-mcmurray-wildfire-first-clear-satellite-images-show-deserted-streets-burned-homes/?sf25805435=1

[tiger_handheld]

anyone know where to give other than RedCross but still have it matched by the Feds?

[underscore]

^ if you get a tax receipt just donate twice as much and call it even?

[Obsideon]

im suprised with all those lifted trucks, no one is driving on the highway median.

I would like to think, cuz Canada.
If this was China, well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fetm_G9MMug
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAuF2eFOM9Y

This is to get INTO an event and tour group. I would be scared to think what would happen if it was a life or death situation...

[Spoon]

If any of you still have Airmile's useless Dream Miles, here's an opportunity to do some good with it.

1) Login to your airmiles.ca account
2) Use this link: https://www.airmiles.ca/arrow/Produc...rId=1326334673

190 Dream Miles = $20 donation to the Canadian Red Cross

From what I've read in another forum, you're supposed to get a tax receipt out of it (within 90 days). Win-win for everyone.

[Nlkko]

looks like they will get some showers on sunday.

https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/ab-20_metric_e.html

[JSALES]

Saw this on Facebook

27125

[frozen]

I couldn't help but to laugh at that post. Fort Mac is filled with idiots who spend their brains out without a notion of saving. Let's not even get started with the drugs and prostitutions. When a bunch of uneducated morons gather in a city because no other opportunities and get paid substantial amount of salary otherwise they can't even dream of, nothing really good comes out of it.

If people want to fucking donate to help them, by all means go for it. If not, continue to live your regular life and stop bullshitting about how intelligent these people are and how wonderful the city was.

[TouringTeg]

If any of you still have Airmile's useless Dream Miles, here's an opportunity to do some good with it.

1) Login to your airmiles.ca account
2) Use this link: https://www.airmiles.ca/arrow/Produc...rId=1326334673

190 Dream Miles = $20 donation to the Canadian Red Cross

From what I've read in another forum, you're supposed to get a tax receipt out of it (within 90 days). Win-win for everyone.

Thanks for posting this however the link is blocked for me. Works here:

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/air-miles-donate-dream-miles-red-cross-fort-mcmurray-relief-funds-fed-match-1977197/

Tried to donate and my account is locked for security reasons. Called the help line and it is a 2 hour wait time lol I can expect a call back in 3 hrs

[underscore]

Please tell me how the hell WHMIS, H2S Alive and being a conservative are supposed to help in this situation, I'm guessing the idiot that wrote that has neither. I'm also curious what all these events are that have had all these "dumb liberals" dying, because I can't recall any in recent memory. It's also way too soon to say zero fatalities, just because nobodies found the body yet doesn't mean someone isn't dead.

[westopher]

Its just that lovely victim culture we have created in the Facebook generation. If something bad happens to you, you automatically become a good person in the eyes of others.

[underscore]

Can anybody point me to something that says exactly how many people the Red Cross is currently helping? I've seen millions thrown at them so far but all I can find is this useless article from McLeans saying "we're helping!" without actually saying how many people are where and needing what. I know a lot of individuals and companies were running fuel and supplies up there and a lot of people are staying with friends and family outside of Ft Mac so I'm curious what the current need level is.

How the Red Cross is helping the victims of Fort McMurray (http://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/how-the-red-cross-is-helping-the-victims-of-fort-mcmurray/)

[Zedbra]

Its just that lovely victim culture we have created in the Facebook generation. If something bad happens to you, you automatically become a good person in the eyes of others.

The same culture where people have no empathy for their fellow neighbour, taking selfies and posting pics of their 'things' is all that matters - and how many likes they get.

The thing is, that mentality can be changed if one wishes. As you can see, people would rather be selfish by nature.

[MarkyMark]

I feel like it's safe to say if anything major ever went down in Vancouver, like an earthquake, it would be the biggest every man for himself shit show the country would see.

[MG1]

Me thinks buildings toppling and people being trapped under tonnes of rubble would be a little different from danger coming your way. The place is being evacuated.

You can't compare let's say a densly populated area like the West End to a place like Fort Mac.

People are people. It'll all depend on the situation and the coordination of emergency response units. Hopefully, there are plans in place and that our police and first responders are well trained. Often, the authorities learn what to do after an ordeal.

Also, just a reminder................

http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/know-the-disaster-response-routes.aspx

[westopher]

Fort Mac, Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto and so on would all have the same results given the same situation. Its not like there is no humanity in big cities.

[MG1]

Yup, I still have some faith in humanity.

I believe most people in Canada will rise to the occasion. It's a dog eat dog society we live in, but in times of need, it'll be different.

[Zedbra]

There is a forest fire 5km from my house right now in Squamish. I don't own a sled, diesel lifted truck, just an average guy with a family that is closeclose to danger. Smoke is getting thick, helicopters are on the scene. Packing the truck now.

[Inaii]

Be safe Zedbra!

[MG1]

Our thoughts are with you and your family. Grab what you can and get the hell out of there. You have a place to go?


And nevermind checking RS.......... just GTFO.

[DragonChi]

I honestly don't know if there would be a show of support from other cities if disaster struck in BC. If Victoria was on fire, would we do the same?

The nicest people I have met are Albertan, but maybe it's just crowd of Albertan's that I hang out with.

[Zedbra]

My immediate neighbour manages the forest district from Lillooet to West Vancouver and he said not to panic yet. Have important documents loaded, clothes, and valuables loaded.

[nabs]

I really hope for rain and the weather to turn to wet over there, there are fires going on everywhere right now. Massive ones on the Manitoba/Ontario border as well.

[Zedbra]

Neighbour said it's ground contained, choppers still in the air. Looking good.

[MG1]

I guess living near forests, you have evacuation drills with the family and stuff packed, ready to go, right?

Holding timed practices with stop watch. Okay, maybe not that drastic, but better to be prepared than not.

[Zedbra]

We have always discussed a 'bug out' plan. Have a waterproof container of essential survival needs and plans for various dangers; living here for 15 years I have been on evacuation notice twice (both from flooding). Nature will find a way. What a tense Saturday night, to say the least.

[twitchyzero]

Disaster response routes | City of Vancouver (http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/know-the-disaster-response-routes.aspx)

huh zero DRR into/out of the downtown core?

imagine when disaster strikes after St. Paul relocates and viaducts dismantled
assuming the worst case that bridges are down, good luck y'all BrokeBack

[Yodamaster]

https://news.vice.com/article/russia-has-made-a-questionably-sincere-offer-to-help-put-out-canadas-forest-fires


Shitty tone to that article, if the Russians are willing to help out, I'd let them. IIRC they helped the U.S during Katrina and they regularily send out firefighting crews to other nations.

[westopher]

Everything ok out Squamish way today zedbra? Those winds last night had me thinking of you. Hope things didn't escalate.

[Zedbra]

No visible smoke this morning. I fell asleep sitting in a chair, facing the fire. The District is saying it got contained last night but were still monitoring it overnight. That was too close for comfort.

[SpartanAir]

Damn, that must be stressful. Sorry to hear.

And it's barely May. Sadly I this kind of thing is just becoming more common with global warming and drier temperatures. This summer is going to be a doozie.

[CharlesInCharge]

https://news.vice.com/article/russia-has-made-a-questionably-sincere-offer-to-help-put-out-canadas-forest-fires


Shitty tone to that article, if the Russians are willing to help out, I'd let them. IIRC they helped the U.S during Katrina and they regularily send out firefighting crews to other nations.Vice is a propaganda mouth piece for the younger generations. Canadians complain of monies allocated to Syrian refugees but they dont know that Canada funds ISIS and the genocide of the Ukranians. How many beaver pelts, tons of maple syrup and oil tankers filled with fish does 300 billion amount to for a nation that already pays 40 billion in debt interests every year.
http://i.imgur.com/vSGL9FZ.jpg

[MG1]

CIC, what would RS be without you? I understand you, albeit barely, and if you ever find your way back (to earth), it would be a sad day for those of us who wait with great anticipation for your responses to every thread on RS.

[Timpo]

I heard people saying the gas price will now be $2+/L because of this, lack of oil sand access, is this true?

[tegra7]

oops

[jasonturbo]

I heard people saying the gas price will now be $2+/L because of this, lack of oil sand access, is this true?

The rules of supply and demand would suggest that yes, the price of gasoline will increase as a result of the disruption in the oil supply.

Potential silver lining is that since access to the Mac is restricted we should see an oversupply of cocaine in the short term, lowering the cost of eight balls.

CTV Edmonton: Cause of condo fire released | CTV Edmonton News (http://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=390308)

You know that's old as fuck and has nothing to do with the current forest fires right?

[originalhypa]

No visible smoke this morning. I fell asleep sitting in a chair, facing the fire. The District is saying it got contained last night but were still monitoring it overnight. That was too close for comfort.

Last year's smoke in Whistler was insane. You couldn't even see the tree tops because the smoke was so thick. We got a small taste of what it would be like, albeit without the imminent threat of fire. I could only imagine what it would be like if you could see the flames coming.

A bunch of years ago when Kelowna was burning was the closest we've ever come to a forest fire that is threatening lives. Fire on both sides of the highway, with crews working their asses off to try and maintain control.

Glad to hear that your area is okay. I'm sure the rain that hit last night helped. Btw, I'll take credit for that rain. I washed my truck and stepped on a spider yesterday.
:D

[BeefCake4000]

https://youtu.be/uOonSBiYx6k

[Spoon]

I heard people saying the gas price will now be $2+/L because of this, lack of oil sand access, is this true?

Most of the oil producers seems like they came out unscathed and will be back to work rather quickly.

Oilsands producers could be back online within a week after fire threat passes | Calgary Herald (http://calgaryherald.com/business/energy/oilsands-producers-could-be-back-online-within-a-week-after-fire-threat-passes)