Fort McMurray fire: B.C. business owners offer homes to fleeing families
'If it was me, I'd want some help and we should all be doing our part I think'
Several business owners in northeastern B.C. are offering vacant homes to help people fleeing from the wildfire near Fort McMurray.
Doug and Suzanne Scott own an apartment-rental company and say they have 10 units available for any Fort McMurray families who need a place to regroup.
"If they want to come and stay in Dawson Creek to figure out their next move, it's the least we can do," said Doug, co-owner of Upper Montney Estates.
He says the recent economic slowdown in the region has meant the pair have more vacancies than usual.
When he saw the images of people fleeing Fort McMurray, he says he put himself in their shoes.
"It's hitting pretty close to home and I feel it, you know? If it was me, I'd want some help and we should all be doing our part, I think."
As several wildfires in northeastern B.C. continue to grow, the Scotts are well aware of how vulnerable people are.
"It could be us next year. So let's all do our part."
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Fort St. John Realtor offers homes
Meanwhile, a realtor in Fort St. John is offering up homes listed for sale. He said the decision to help was a no-brainer.
"Why not? I don't see why not. We have some units sitting vacant and there are people that have no homes, so it just makes sense.," said Mitch Collins, a real estate agent with Century 21.
Collins says he has already put up about a dozen families in properties and only has two left. But he is encouraging other real estate agents in the area to do what they can to help.
With files from Daybreak North
