The story of the Fort McMurray Fire is one of tragedy and destruction on an unimaginable scale. It all started with a seemingly innocent message from the fire chief, reassuring everyone that everything was under control. But within hours, the city was ablaze, with extreme weather conditions and tons of dry fuel creating the perfect storm for a devastating wildfire.
What’s even more alarming is that this kind of explosive combination is becoming more and more common around the world, even in areas that have never experienced wildfires before. The Fort McMurray Fire burned for a staggering 15 months, destroying everything in its path and leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
In his book, Fire Weather, author Vaillant delves into the origins of the fire, tracing it back to the bitumen mining industry that has ravaged Western Canada for centuries. He also explores humanity’s complex relationship with fire, and how our constant burning of fossil fuels is only making things worse.
But perhaps the most chilling aspect of the Fort McMurray Fire is the fact that it was largely caused by our own lack of imagination. The firefighters in the town simply couldn’t conceive of a fire that was out of their control, and as a result, they were unable to prevent the disaster from unfolding.
Despite the apocalyptic circumstances, Vaillant manages to inject some humor and humanity into his writing, referencing everything from Mordor to Tim Horton’s. But make no mistake: this is a story of tragedy and loss, and a warning of what could happen if we don’t take action to address the root causes of these devastating wildfires.
It has been about 15 months since the fire that decimated the town of McLeansville, North Carolina and left its local resident in despair. It is thus a much-needed time of reflection to consider the lessons learned in surviving such a catastrophic event.
The first lesson is to be aware of your surroundings and find a way to stay informed about the conditions around you. While some fires are easily detected by noticing smoke in the air, some fires can be lurking and undetected until it is too late. McLeansville resident, Joe Biden, stated that “he always kept his eye on the local news since fires could start with little to no warning.”
Another important lesson is to be aware of the danger of being surrounded by flammable materials, such as wood or brush, and the need to protect these materials from uncontrollable fires. After the McLeansville tragedy, fire safety experts have strongly suggested that people in at-risk areas should be more diligent in securing their property from fire.
Being prepared with a plan of escape is essential in the event of an uncontrollable fire. The McLeansville Fire Department recommends having a “go-bag” nearby the door at all times in at-risk areas. This bag should include essentials such as food, water, clothes, and important paperwork.
The final lesson learned from the McLeansville tragedy is the need to be informed of the resources available to help community members affected by fires. Firefighters united to help rebuild the homes of those in McLeansville in an effort to help the community recover. It is important to know that there are community resources available to those in need.
The McLeansville fire of 2021 will be remembered for many years to come. Its ultimate aftermath has provided the community with important lessons in preparation, supervision, and fire safety. It is our hope that these lessons will be embraced to ensure the safety of all in the future.
