Albertans show outpouring of help for Fort McMurray evacuees

As thousands of people are making their way out of Fort McMurray, Albertans outside the danger zone are already offering whatever help they can.

• Fort McMurray wildfire evacuees flee city in chaos
• Fort McMurray evacuated as wildfire destroys homes, threatens downtown

The Alberta Government has tweeted out a message saying the Red Cross is accepting donations for those out of their homes.

Edmonton is expecting up to 18,000 evacuees to flood into town on Tuesday night. 

Meanwhile, several Facebook groups have also sprung up with the hopes of connecting wildfire victims with those who are in a position to help.

• Ft. McMurray Disaster Relief
• Fort McMurray Evacuee Open Source Help Page

"​For those who can provide shelter, parking, a yard for tents, RV hookups and the like, please share for those who have made it out of Ft. Mcmurray and need our help," one page reads.

"We are Albertans and this is what we do."

Several people have also contacted CBC Edmonton directly, asking how they can help.

The Fort Saskatchewan Legion has its doors open Tuesday night for anyone to stop and rest or use the washroom.

One Alberta Petroleum company is doing what it can to help ​motorists running out of gas as they flee the wildfires in Fort McMurray.

AFD Petroleum is offering free gas to motorists who can make it to its camp, set up on highway 63 at Mariana Lake, south of Fort McMurray.

A company official says they'll be there until the fuel dries up. They said there's no way they are able to get more fuel, as traffic is restricted on the highway.

Rose Mueller is a spokeswoman for the Fort McKay First Nation, about 58 kilometres north of Fort McMurray. 

She said they are accommodating Fort McMurray evacuees in their work camp lodges. Two are already full, but about 450 rooms are left at Creeburn Lake Lodge. There is a waiting list for the lodge, and it won't open until around 11 p.m. tonight.

It's a sad situation and we just want to make sure people are safe and the families are together.- Rose Mueller, Fort McKay First Nation spokeswoman

Mueller said those waiting to get in can wait at the Barge Landing lodge nearby.

"We are doing our best to accommodate as much as we possible can," Mueller said. "Our lodges have been working beyond their capacity.

"It's a sad situation and we just want to make sure people are safe and the families are together."

Nearby communities, as well as numerous Edmontonians, are also opening their doors.

Calgarian Dana Geddes runs Dogego Difficult Dog Boarding in Calgary. She said she is willing to house up to 15 dogs from Fort McMurray residents, at no cost, and as long as necessary. Her kennel specializes in dogs with behavioural issues who may not be able to stay in standard kennels.

She can be reached through her Facebook page, Dogego Dog Boarding/Daycare.

"Everybody's evacuating and people are going to be panicking on where they can take their pets, especially if they have behaviour issues," Geddes said.

A Facebook page has been set up to compile offers of help, including free places to stay across the province. A similar account has been created on Twitter.