Fort McMurray crisis 'horrific', Dwight Ball says
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball, describing the fire devastation in Fort McMurray as "horrific," said his government will help with a nation-wide response to the Alberta crisis.
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"It is devastating. This is very tragic," Ball told reporters Wednesday at Confederation Building, adding that he has spoken to friends directly affected by the raging wildfire that forced a mandatory evacuation on Tuesday.
Ball said he will speak with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley to discuss what Newfoundland and Labrador can do to help.
He said water bombers and firefighters are being prepared in the event that they are needed to help fight the fire in Fort McMurray.
Speaking in the House of Assembly on Wednesday afternoon, Ball offered up thoughts and prayers to residents of the area displaced by the raging wildfire, including thousands of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians living and working there.
"Our province reached out to offer help in whatever way needed," Ball said.
"The provincial government is ready to respond to the needs of residents in Fort McMurray."
Ball said in the past Newfoundland and Labrador has sent aircraft, firefighters and its incident management team to other provinces.
"While sharing our resources, we will continue to be equipped to protect our province, our people and forest resources."
Ball said in the house that Wednesday is International Firefighters Day and he wanted to take the chance to thank those fighting the fire in Alberta.
My officials <a href="https://twitter.com/FAA_GovNL">@FAA_GovNL</a> have resources available to support our counterparts in Alberta. We are ready to take action to help <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fortmac?src=hash">#fortmac</a>
—@MitchelmoreMHAWe have two water bombers, incident management staff, firefighters and support staff to help Fort McMurray if needed.
—@PremierOfNL'Just awaiting the call'
The Red Cross in Alberta is already working to help those displaced and has set up temporary shelters for some of the estimated 70,000 people forced to evacuate.
The Atlantic regional spokesperson for the Red Cross, Dan Bedell, said there are people from this province with the specialized training needed to set up the sites.
"I am sure they've got their bags packed and are just awaiting the call," Bedell told the St. John's Morning Show on Wednesday.
"We need to get a new assessment this morning [Wednesday] from our Alberta team on what they need and if they think they need some of those additional resources sent immediately, then that's what will be done."
The Red Cross has already started taking donations online at RedCross.ca.
"Some people have lost everything already," Bedell said.
"Their sheltering requirement is going to go on for a longer period of time and their needs are going to be that much greater which is why we've already opened up the appeal for this disaster"