Slave Lake one year after devastating wildfire
Posted May 15, 2012 8:18 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
As fire hazards grow around the north-central part of Alberta, it’s an all-too-familiar scene for the people of Slave Lake.
It was one year ago Tuesday that 7,000 people fled the town because of an out-of-control wildfire.
When they returned weeks later, they found one-third of the buildings destroyed.
Currently, hundreds of people remain homeless as they try to rebuild their lives.
The blaze that swept through the town, fueled by 100 kilometre-per-hour winds, destroyed more than 400 buildings.
About 21 homes have been rebuilt and construction permits have been issued for another 200.
Slave Lake Mayor, Karina Pillay Kinnee, says there are mixed emotions around the community but it’s encouraging to see a positive outlook.
“Many are inspired by the progress we’ve made. It’s exciting to see all the construction and we feel like we’re a thriving community and we’ve definitely pulled together. Our community spirit remains strong,” she says.
She adds, even after a year has passed, it’s still hard to believe it happened to their community.
“There’s still quite a bit of trauma people are experiencing of course with the one-year and an extreme fire hazard in the area, we’re very sensitive to the possibility of another fire.”
One of the four out-of-control wildfires raging in the province is just southeast of Slave Lake, too close for comfort for the town that continues to try and rebuild.
Premier Alison Redford will be in Slave Lake Tuesday as the town marks the one-year anniversary.
Redford says the story of recovery and rebuilding in the town is a true Alberta story and she is proud to stand with them in the rebuilding process.
