Fire burns and smoke fills the air near homes in Fort McMurray, Alberta on Tuesday May 3, 2016. Raging forest fires whipped up by shifting winds sliced through the middle of the remote oilsands hub city of Fort McMurray Tuesday, sending tens of thousands fleeing in both directions and prompting the evacuation of the entire city. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kitty Cochrane
Fire burns and smoke fills the air near homes in Fort McMurray, Alberta on Tuesday May 3, 2016. Raging forest fires whipped up by shifting winds sliced through the middle of the remote oilsands hub city of Fort McMurray Tuesday, sending tens of thousands fleeing in both directions and prompting the evacuation of the entire city. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kitty Cochrane

 

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says there will be a crew of 4 fire fighters going from North Bay to Fort McMurray to battle the wildfires there.

Overall, there will be 100 firefighters from Ontario going west.

19 logistical staff are also going, bringing the total to 119.

82 of them are leaving Ontario on Friday.

 

Meantime, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says photos of Fort McMurray look like something from ``a war-torn corner of the world instead of our own backyard.”

He announced Thursday morning that Ottawa will match all Red Cross donations to help people displaced by the wildfires that have ravaged the area.

Alberta is also matching Red Cross donations up to a cap of $2-million dollars.

 

The devastating wildfires in Fort McMurray has resulted in the biggest evacuation in Alberta history.

Thousands are fleeing their homes. Some may never be able to return as there are reports of neighborhoods being destroyed.

Here’s how you can help:

  • You can donate to the Red Cross HERE or by texting FIRES to 45678 ($10). It will be added to your phone bill.
  • If you or someone you know can provide resources like equipment or volunteers to help, please contact the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo at 1.866.618.2632 or http://www.rmwb.ca
  • If nearby, there is still a need for fuel, water and food for motorists whose vehicles are on empty south of Fort McMurray on Hwys 63 & 881.
  • If nearby and have accommodations to offer (homes, rental properties, recreational properties, and other available space) visit http://ymmfire.ca/
  • If you’re trying to find a loved one or need evacuation information, you can call the regional municipality at 780-762-3636 or the Red Cross at 1-888-350-6070. Facebook has also put a ‘Check In’ option on the site: www.facebook.com/safetycheck/fortmcmurray.

For a live blog on the wildfires and relief efforts, visit mymcmurray.com.

 

(With Files from The Canadian Press)