Fort McMurray wildfires: Families forced to flee arriving on P.E.I.

The Canadian Red Cross on P.E.I. has so far helped about a dozen Islanders who've returned after being forced from their homes because of the wildfires in Fort McMurray, Alta.

Volunteers are handing out vouchers for things like food and clothing to help people with short-term needs.

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Provincial director of the Canadian Red Cross on P.E.I. Laura Johnson-Montigny said the organization is usually on-site to help with local emergencies but this time, people are looking for help on the other side of the country.

"It is an unusual situation," said Johnson-Montigny.

"The clients that I've been able to speak to and to check in with, they're absolutely amazed about the Island generosity and how they're able to access services across the country all the way here on P.E.I."

Johnson-Montigny said many of the people arriving are staying with family on the Island, but she expects as a convoy of vehicles moves east even more will seek out help from the Red Cross.

Cold weather an issue

One problem people are facing as they arrive on the Island is the weather.

Temperatures were in the high 20s when they left Alberta, but are in single digits on P.E.I.

The Red Cross is helping people, who sometimes had to leave their homes with just the clothes on their backs, to get warm jackets.

The Red Cross is also supplying towels, bedding, and other basic supplies.

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