U of L geography team takes to the skies for LiDAR mission

The Chasmer and Hopkinson crews include, from left to right, Craig Mahoney, Emily Jones, Dr. Chris Hopkinson, Dr. Laura Chasmer, Maxim Okhrimenko, Linda Flade, Celeste Barnes and Kailyn Nelson.

• The first areas to be surveyed include the Wapta Icefields, located on the Continental Divide north of Lake Louise, the Castle area and Waterton Lakes National Park from July 14 to 16.

University of Lethbridge - Aerial and ground crews from the University of Lethbridge have launched a large campaign that will conduct multiple surveys in Alberta and the Northwest Territories to measure ecosystem changes associated with climate change and permafrost loss and to build understanding of the role of wildfire.

Explosion at Syncrude Oil site near Fort McMurray

Wood Buffalo RCMP (update) - At approximately 2:00 pm, Wood Buffalo RCMP responded to complaints from the public regarding an explosion at the Syncrude Oil Site. Highway 63 was subsequently closed while the site was evacuated.

All lanes of Highway 63 are now open again.

Outlaw biker investigation in Fort McMurray (updated)

ALERT- ALERT and RCMP Wood Buffalo have conducted a joint forces investigation into outlaw motorcycle groups operating in Fort McMurray.  The investigation is in relation to an alleged conflict between the Fort McMurray chapters of the Warlocks and the Syndicate, a Hells Angels support club. Beginning in late August, there have been a number of criminal incidents believed to be linked to this conflict. Those incidents remain under active investigation.

Old Town of Pincher Creek computers to be repurposed

Josh Davis - Computer repurposing was the topic at hand at the start of the June 8 meeting of Pincher Creek's Committee of the Whole. Recently the Town upgraded its computer systems, with Trinus Technologies serving as the IT contractor in charge of providing the new equipment. Twelve Town owned, used computers are to be donated, with one to go to the Huddlestun Centre, one to go to the Children's World Day Care, one to go to Group Group Youth, and two to go to the Junction Food Bank. The remaining seven will be offered to Trinus Technologies for distribution to victims of the Fort McMurray Wildfire.

MD of Pincher Creek to donate $5000 to Fort McMurray wildfire relief

Josh Davis - During their Tuesday May 24 meeting.Council for the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 decided to donate $5000 to Alberta Fire Appeal to assist with the efforts in Fort McMurray  “Mr. Reeve the administration has checked into donations going to the Fort (McMurray) disaster through Red Cross, and it’s our understanding that both the province and the Federal Government will match any donations,” said CAO Wendy Kay. “They consider us an individual donation. It’s any organization or person, they will match it.” The donation was prompted by an email to the MD from Acting Mayor of Vancouver Raymond Louie dated May 5, which was tabled for further discussion during Council’s May 10 meeting.

Town of Pincher Creek to donate $10,000 for Fort McMurray wildfire relief

Toni Lucas -  During the regular meeting of council for the Town of Pincher Creek council decided to donate $10,000 to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in response to the damage caused by the Fort McMurray area wildfires.  The idea was discussed during the previous council meeting held May 9, but council at that time wanted to ascertain if money sent through the Red Cross from the Town of Pincher Creek would be matched dollar for dollar.  Administration investigated and found that the matching of funds did not include large corporate donations and therefore would not be matched.

Experiential Learning Week Spring 2016 at MHHS – Crazy Cakes

Josh Davis - As a part of Matthew Halton’s Experiential Learning Week, which took place May 2 to May 6, students signed up for the Crazy Cakes course. Teacher Ian Robertson gave the Crazy Cakes students an order for a specialty cake, which they then had to fill to the specifications. Students had to figure out the costs of their cakes, and the profit margin they would make from their product.

Crowsnest Pass emergency aid for Fort McMurray

Municipality of Crowsnest Pass

The Director of Emergency Management and the Manager of Protective Services continue to be updated daily in regards to the ongoing tragedy in Fort McMurray. Earlier this week, the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass offered to send a Type 1 and Type 6 brush truck plus crews and are presently on a deployment list with the Provincial Operations Centre.

A song for Fort McMurray

One road in, One road out

Turn to the north

Or turn to the south

As the smoke and the flames devour our town

It leaves fear in our hearts

Our city will burn down.

~ Derek Mews

Patricia Mews, Letter to the Editor

Hi there. My family and I live in Pincher Creek but have lots of family affected by the Fort McMurray wildfire. My parents recently left to go visit my family at their camp (Bonneyville ), where they are currently staying. A few have lost homes and the rest we aren't sure about. All of this really "hits close to home".

Pincher Creek first responders to assist with wildfire effort

Josh Davis and Toni Lucas

Pincher Creek RCMP Detachment Commander Sergeant Mark Harrison was present as a delegation at today's meeting of the Town of Pincher Creek's Committee of the Whole. Harrison’s primary focus was to update the committee on the response to the catastrophic ongoing wildfire in Alberta, which has so far destroyed more than 1600 homes and buildings in the city of Fort McMurray.  The RCMP District Commander has requested officers to assist in Fort McMurray. "I provided him with some names of members who are available," said Harrison. "We could see a reduction in manpower resources in the next month, by the look of this disaster." Harrison said that a big concern is maintaining security within the area following the disaster.

According to Sgt. Harrison, two members of the RCMP who were originally intended to start at the Waterton Detachment on May 10 have already been deployed to Fort McMurray.

In an interview this evening Pincher Creek Emergency Services Chief Dave Cox said PCES has also made resources available to help deal with the crisis.

Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier update regarding Alberta wildfires

• "The easiest and fastest way people can be of service is donate to the Red Cross."
• "This thing is going to get worse, before it gets better."

Webcam at Fort McMurray Airport (YMM) today from 12:41 pm - 5:41 pm 

images copyright Nav Canada

Chris Davis

Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier spoke to me today via phone (while he was driving from situation to situation) about the Fort McMurray area wildfires and the response to the crisis so far.  This was after speaking in the Alberta Legislature about the crisis as both the Wildrose Municipal Affairs Critic and as a stand-in for Wildrose leader Brian Jean, who's own home in Fort McMurray was one of the many consumed by fire.  Stier also released a press release earlier today, which is reproduced entire following the article below. Stier wanted to emphasize that the best way for most Albertans to help at this time is with cash donations that can be applied as needed, rather than donations of used items etc.

Fort McMurray wildfire update

Alberta Government

Public safety remains the key priority as the wildfire in Fort McMurray continues to burn. Provincial fire crews continue their efforts to reduce the threat to property and infrastructure.

Alberta Government matching Red Cross donations for Fort McMurray

Alberta Government

The Government of Alberta will match donations to the Red Cross in support of the people of Fort McMurray.

“We know Albertans are stepping up to help the people of Fort McMurray; that’s what Albertans do when people are in need. The most effective thing people can do right now is make donations to the Red Cross, knowing our government will match those funds.” - Rachel Notley, Premier

Red Cross Alberta Fires Appeal

To donate to the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Fires Appeal, click here or text REDCROSS to 30333 to donate $5.00.

If you are searching for someone call 1-888-350-6070.

Canadian Red Cross responds to fires in Alberta

Canadian Red Cross

Massive wildfires have triggered the largest fire-related evacuation in Alberta history with more than 70,000 individuals displaced due to evacuation orders. People have been forced to leave their homes in more than 12 northern communities, including Fort McMurray.