Donate to Fort McMurray Fire Relief, an Alberta Town With Climbing Ties

The city of Fort McMurray in northern Alberta has been evacuated due to a big forest fire that has grown to 85,000 hectares over the past few days. Known as Canada’s oilsands city, the entire population of about 80,000 people have been evacuated to surrounding areas. News of the fire has been making headlines around the world, as dramatic photos of evacuated residents flee with huge walls of fire in the background.

Since the boom of the oilsands over a decade ago, many climbers have moved to Alberta and made Fort McMurray their base as they work in the field. On their down time, they travel to the Rockies and beyond on climbing trips. “I moved to Fort McMurray about 10 years ago,” said Matt Brooks who moved west from Ontario to climb. “I’m currently in Squamish climbing and was going to head home next week but am just standing by like everyone else.” Over 300 firefighters are battling the blaze with over a dozen water bombers fighting from the air. There are no signs of the fire letting up as conditions have worsened and winds are shifting.

Donate to help evacuees through Red Cross