Alberta communities battling wildfires and misinformation

There’s a double edge sword using social media during a disaster. Communities impacted by wildfires have been using Facebook and Twitter as a vital tool to get information out to their residents, but the mayor of Yellowhead County says the spread of misinformation has been taxing on those trying to help.

“The amount of rumors out there is ridiculous. We just want people to get their information from the proper channels,” explained Wade Williams, Yellowhead County Mayor.

“Don’t go listening to rumors, and go spreading them and spreading them and spreading them.”

Mayor Williams just wants residents to lean on information from the local government, their websites, and official social media.

Ana Potzkai teaches emergency management at NAIT and recognizes in a fast-moving disaster like a wildfire, some residents can feel like they aren’t getting enough details, and turn to other sources. She stresses the information put out by the municipal government is what you need to know.

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“You can hear from your cousin’s sister’s boyfriend’s cousin twice removed, however, if you look at the actual official information, they are the ones who want to protect you,” said Potzkai.

“There is definitely going to be a mental health toll on evacuees. Because it is not just the actual disaster and the reality of that is coming at them, but it is also the added mental stress of trying to figure out what is real.”

Monday, Drayton Valley County’s fire chief Tom Thompson addressed rumors regarding a safe return to Drayton Valley.

“We understand that there are rumours circulating that the community is safe and that you can return to the community. This is false, and we and you will be turned away at the checkpoints that have been set up around the perimeter,” he explained.

• READ MORE: Drayton Valley officials urge residents to stay away despite rumors of safe return

The Canadian Red Cross reminding everyone to check the source of all information shared online and the date it is posted.

Saying while not all misinformation is purposeful or malicious, it can still impact emergency first responders, just like the viral hoaxes preying on people’s fears.

Professor Timothy Caulfield has seen those claiming evacuation orders are somehow conspiracies.

“We know that over the last three years, trust in institutions has eroded. And we have research to back that up,” explaiend Caulfield. “And I think how fast these conspiracy theories can emerge, demonstrates the harm that the rise in distrust can create.”

Saying it’s important for officials to share relevant information with images, to help understand the current situation.