Fires in Canada

"Some people I read about checked on their home a very clever way, they had their ISP (Telus) "ping" their router. Since it responded they knew their home had survived and had power".

Thanks N7bsn. I just emailed my son in Calgary and he is going to give it a try.

Jack

SideHillSoup wrote:
I have lots of Buddies that moved up there as well that fly in for work. The guys that bought homes and moved there families have no idea yet if they have a home to go to as well they guys that fly to work are waiting to hear what's in store for them.
Very sad for the people of that area no matter if they work there or live there, and so very proud of the people are fighting the fires and volunteering all over Alberta as well as the rest of Canada.

Soup.

Some people I read about checked on their home a very clever way, they had their ISP (Telus) "ping" their router. Since it responded they knew their home had survived and had power.

This is truly a a catastrophe on a human and environmental scale only approaching the level of a direct hit by a hurricane; the difference is that almost the entire city has been destroyed, along with the electric infrastructure, and natural gas feeds to all the houses, businesses, hospital, schools and government offices.

On edit: with the recent Terra Bella initiative satellite imagery available, preliminary assessments are showing that appx 80% of Fort McMurray structures are still standing. Appx 2200 ~~ 2400 buildings have been severely burned or destroyed; these numbers will change as more survey data comes in. The drinking water infrastructure appears to have been saved relatively intact (valiant efforts of employees during the fire). The gas availability to all buildings appears to be severely affected, and fluid situation continues as to gas feed availability to all structures.

Imagine if you will a city about the sized of Fort Collins, CO being nearly completely destroyed by a wildfire. And this thing is not even close to being over-- the wildfire(s) rage on; perhaps for weeks or months.

Quebec just sent over 4 water bombers, and a wildfire ground crew, however, I think a massive and much more comprehensive plan needs to be done (like an army of Canadian, and US firefighters and water bombers to be deployed). The problem seems to be that wildfires are springing up over BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and now, western Ontario. I have access to and monitor the VIIRS geostationary satellite several times a day, and I can' hardly comprehend how this (and other) wildfires are growing, by the hour. I think the damage is now up to 4, 5, or 7 $billion, and with the oil companies shutting down production, and the city destroyed, the unemployment situation is incomprehensible.

See edits above

My son works for Suncor in Fort McMurray and he hooked up the TT and evactuated north with his family. Problem was if the fire came north there was no place to go as they were at a Suncor camp at the end of the road. Only one two lane highway out going through the burn zone. Suncor did provide air transport out and they are now safe in Calgary. No idea if their home is burned or not.

I have lots of Buddies that moved up there as well that fly in for work. The guys that bought homes and moved there families have no idea yet if they have a home to go to as well they guys that fly to work are waiting to hear what's in store for them.
Very sad for the people of that area no matter if they work there or live there, and so very proud of the people are fighting the fires and volunteering all over Alberta as well as the rest of Canada.

Soup.

Anyone can text a $10 (CDN) donation to Canadian Red Cross...it all helps!

http://www.redcross.ca/donate/terms-and-conditions/text-to-donate-10

I'm down in Helena MT and we are getting the smoke...920 miles away. Billings MT and Bozeman were at dangerous levels the other day before the fire got bigger. People East and South don't realize that when the fires start here in the Northwest, Canada or U.S., we all feel it.

Imagine a city of 100,000 people waking up one day and the authorities say, get out now just leave, go!. For those of you in other parts of North America, think of a city of 100,000 close by and how big it is with all the infrastructure, and things we take for granted to live. Try to imagine it. Most can't let their minds grasp it. AND, there is no where to go. The next biggest city is 300 miles away and there is only a two lane road to get there... And your world is burning...

For them, this is SHTF level impact. I'm looking now for where I can send some resources to help.

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.
It's a very grave situation for our neighbors north of us here in Alberta.
A couple days ago I could smell the smoke when I was at work.
The effects will be long lasting. We need rain there, lots of it.
I really wish I could grab the TT and drive there to somehow help.

If you have rain, drizzle and fog, day after day, be thankful.

We've had a week of that here and I couldn't not agree with you more. The pictures from Ft. McMurray are frightening and absolutely heartbreaking. Thoughts and prayers to all who are affected. Praying for rain and cooler weather for you.

Thanks GM.

If you have rain, drizzle and fog, day after day, be thankful.

:C