Fort McMurray wildfire will leave toxic legacy: experts | The Chronicle Herald

Fort McMurray wildfire will leave toxic legacy: experts | The Chronicle Herald: "EDMONTON — Danger from the Fort McMurray wildfire that has destroyed entire city blocks in the northern Alberta city won't end when the flames stop.

Research from California fires that have burned through homes and communities suggests such blazes leave a threatening legacy of caustic ash and toxic heavy metals.

"There's no doubt, it is hazardous," said Scott Stephens, a fire scientist at the University of California Berkeley.

California has sad experience with wildfires raging through urban areas. Every summer, said Stephens, the state loses homes to marauding flames from the wood"



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AFP Disaster Relief and Fundraising Efforts Page (Updated May 11, 2016) - AFP

AFP Disaster Relief and Fundraising Efforts Page (Updated May 11, 2016) - AFP: "AFP Disaster Relief and Fundraising Efforts Page (Updated May 11, 2016)"



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Wells Fargo Donates $100,000 for Alberta Wildfire Relief Efforts

Wells Fargo Donates $100,000 for Alberta Wildfire Relief Efforts: "Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) announced today that the company will donate 100,000 Canadian dollars to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts related to the wildfire that has been burning in northern Alberta, Canada. The fire, which started May 1, 2016 near Fort McMurray, has resulted in the evacuation of thousands of residents."



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Fort McMurray donations hit record thanks to insurers, businesses

Fort McMurray donations hit record thanks to insurers, businesses: "Fort McMurray donations hit record thanks to insurers, businesses"



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P.E.I. musicians hold concerts for Fort McMurray relief effort - Local - The Guardian

P.E.I. musicians hold concerts for Fort McMurray relief effort - Local - The Guardian: "So when a fellow musician, Ritchie Bulger, asked him to take part in Fortnight: A Fundraiser for Fort McMurray Brewing Company on Friday, May 13, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., he was eager to help.

“It’s going to be very expensive. So if we can lend our talents, in any way, whatever needs to be done, we’re there,” says Kitson, who will be sharing the stage that night with Paper Lions, the Eastern Belles, the Wannabeez, Muddy Buddy and Vintage."



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The Good, and the bad, of disaster relief

The Good, and the bad, of disaster relief: "A multitude of agencies are helping, along with the federal government which will match donations to the Red Cross dollar for dollar.

Indeed many agencies suggest it is better to donate cash than items and that’s the concern.

Where there is good, there is unfortunately also bad.

The Competition Bureau recently warned Canadians to beware of scam artists claiming to be charities collecting for fire victims relief."



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Calgary firefighters describe desperate battle to save vital Fort McMurray assets | Calgary Herald

Calgary firefighters describe desperate battle to save vital Fort McMurray assets | Calgary Herald: "When Calgary firefighter Capt. Danny Freeman’s pumper truck got stuck while defending Fort McMurray’s airport, he feared they would be blown up.

Amid a gruelling 20-hour shift, Freeman and his colleagues were fending off flames from fuel tanks at the city’s airport, while also rescuing some stranded residents when their vehicle sank into muskeg."



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Fundraising for Fort McMurray: Calgary events | Globalnews.ca

Fundraising for Fort McMurray: Calgary events | Globalnews.ca: "Canadians have already raised millions of dollars in donations and Calgarians can continue to show their support while enjoying a day (or night) on the town. Here’s a look at just a few of the many fundraising events taking place over the coming days and weeks."



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Fort McMurray fire: What’s happening now, and what you’ve missed - The Globe and Mail

Fort McMurray fire: What’s happening now, and what you’ve missed - The Globe and Mail: "Read the latest on the size of fire, the progress firefighters are making, the response by government and Canadians, and how the evacuees are coping. Also, the latest photos and videos of the fire’s devastating impact"



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Marysville firefighters donate to Fort McMurray relief fund

Marysville firefighters donate to Fort McMurray relief fund: "Marysville firefighters have donated $1,000 to a fund for firefighters affected by the Fort McMurray fires.

A massive fire in the Alberta, Canada city last week prompted the evacuation of about 88,000 residents and destroyed about 2,400 homes and buildings."



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The AFP Blog: Coming Together for the Profession, the Community

The AFP Blog: Coming Together for the Profession, the Community: "The AFP Edmonton &;Area Chapter, along with AFP Canada leaders, have provided a list of services of services and resources for AFP members and others affected by the fires. I’m pleased to pass the information they collected along—you can find the list here."



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Red Cross says lion's share of donations to Fort McMurray wildfires will go directly to evacuees - Calgary - CBC News

Red Cross says lion's share of donations to Fort McMurray wildfires will go directly to evacuees - Calgary - CBC News: "The Red Cross is defending the way it allocates donations to disasters and promises that those directly affected by the Fort McMurray wildfires will get the lion's share.

"The money will be applied to the event itself, the fires and the impact, and will stay in Alberta and will go to assisting residents of the Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo area and the community to transition into recovery and then longer-term recovery," said Jenn McManus, vice-president for the Red Cross in Alberta."



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