Crisis & Recovery Safety & Security
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS | SAFETY & SECURITY
The fact that not a single life was lost to the flames is a testament to the skill and superhuman effort of the EOC and the teams they coordinated. At every juncture, safety was paramount. Even after the blaze, the affected areas were still highly volatile and needed to be controlled. According to Tom Sampson, Deputy Fire Chief of CEMA and head of Lesser Slave's Emergency Operations Centre, "At the EOC, we were simultaneously responding to the disaster itself and planning our recovery from this crisis. How do we get people home? What are the essential businesses? How do we get the MD back on its feet again as quickly as possible?"
Although residents were eager to return home and assess the damage, risks were still considerable. The main fires themselves were still out of control and new spot fires were steadily cropping up. Basements and contents of destroyed buildings were extremely hot. Threats from downed power lines and possible gas leaks were considerable. Infrastructure was nonexistent. Communities remained empty as residents and business owners were denied access. Even emergency personnel were turned away, with the exception of RCMP patrols to secure the area and prevent looting.
An evolution occurred in the days and weeks following the blaze. The fire was brought under control. Damage was assessed and dangers fenced off or removed. Water, gas and power were restored. Eventually, residents began to filter back into their communities, and Emergency Operations transitioned into Recovery Operations – an enormous task that will not be quickly or easily accomplished.
ROYALS TOUR RUINS
Halfway through a cross-Canada junket, newlyweds Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge flew to the fire-ravaged region to speak with first responders and console those who lost their homes to the flames.
ORIGINS OF DISASTER
In Late October 2011, arson was revealed as the only possible cause of the fires that wrought such havoc on the Lesser Slave River region. This interactive map illustrates where and when these devastating wildfires began.
PICKING UP THE PIECES
The smoke has cleared and the fires extinguished, but the real work is now before us. What lessons have we learned from this tragedy, and what are we doing to repair the lives and livelihoods of those affected?
FIRE WEATHER INDEX
CRISIS PRESENTATION
View an immersive presentation on the spring 2011 wildfires.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Listen to the personal accounts of those who weathered the fires.
Angeline, Safety Coordinator
Kelly, Human Resource Coordinator
Vanessa, Animal Rescue Worker
INTERACTIVE MAP
Discover where the wildfires began and how they spread
