Crisis & Recovery The Social Impact
THE AFTERMATH | THE SOCIAL IMPACT
"It's truly amazing how people can come together after a tragedy like this."
On an emotional level, community sentiment after the disaster was a study in contrasts. Dread and relief. Thankfulness and anger. Some gratefully returned to an unscathed home, only to have guilt set in as they witnessed the devastation around them. Some were incredibly thankful to have their families intact, while others were bitter over losing everything.
An interesting outcome from a social perspective is the degree to which people compared notes and recounted events with one another. In line at the grocery store, at the coffee shop and on the street, people began to share their stories. These stories strengthened a common bond borne of tragedy and reassured people that they were not alone. It was widespread, it was cathartic, and it was an important part of the community's healing process.
Almost as soon as residents returned to their communities, signs of gratitude began to appear – both figuratively and literally. Restaurants and retailers put messages on marquees and sandwich boards. Children painted posters thanking firefighters and emergency workers. A parade was organized in honor of the people who saved the community. One remarkable gesture was made by local resident Cleo Carifelle, who ran more than 400 kilometers as her way of thanking communities across Alberta for their help battling the wildfires and caring for its displaced residents.
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.
Darren, Councillor
Kelly, Human Resource Coordinator
Tom, Landfill Manager
INTERACTIVE MAP
Discover where the wildfires began and how they spread
