Pets in the Fort McMurray fire

[Catherine]

There is some concern about the pets of Fort McMurray. The town is being ravaged by wildfires.
Some people when they evacuated were unable to take their pets with them.
They are concerned and should be because the pets are in danger.
However their is reason to think that many pets will be okay.


http://news.google.ca/news/url?sr=1&ct2=...t=2&at=dt0


I think it is time that we have fire safety plans set up for the animals in an area.  This is an exceptional fire situation, but serious fires do happen and other natural disasters. We need to be prepared.

[Catherine]

This is how bad it is.

http://news.google.ca/news/url?sr=1&ct2=...124&at=dt0


There are more stories coming out that explain how pets were left behind.  The fire moved quickly and sometimes the evcuation order was an emergency. People at work had to flee. When they tried to go home for their pets the roads were closed. It is not known if the pets are safe in their homes.  People are trying to help, but the situation is desperate.

One enterprising horse owner saddled up one horse, put reins on the others and rode to safety with them. It was a long ride, but they are safe.
We can only hope the best for the pets trapped in homes.

[Catherine]

Every effort is being made for the animals. Whenever possible people and their pets are being evacuated together.

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&...TPQH771qvw

A group called Fort Mac Fire – Pet Rescue has formed to get people's pets from their homes and bring them to safety.

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&...c-BljvOlaQ

Shelters and SPCA groups are helping.
https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&...XUA2tCjU1g

This is such an overwhelming situation. I heard on the news that the fire area covers 1000 km and could double. The only way to stop it is rain and it might be Sunday if they are lucky before they get rain.

[cathie]

There have been stories of Angels who rescued pets, and looked for the owners so they could reunite.

It's devastating to see all the destruction.

[Catherine]

The forest devastation is unimaginable. They couldn't stop a fire like that. They did save most of Fort McMurray. It wasn't easy, but most homes and public buildings were saved.

I hope that means most pets were saved. I haven't heard about wildlife. There will have been losses. Many animals couldn't have outrun the fire.

This is yet another product of climate change. The forests are very dry and once they start burning it is hard to contain the fire.

There is another  fire on the Manitoba/ Ontario border. I hope it doesn't spread like the Alberta fire. Far too much wildlife is lost when there is a wildfire.