Alberta wildfires continue, residents say long time to recovery

Some people living through the devastation of northern Alberta wildfires say it’s going to be a long road to recovery.

Christine Landry runs a thrift store in Valleyview, east of Grande Prairie, and has been organizing a donation drive for those impacted by the wildfires.

She says dozens of people have volunteered to help the effort, and she can use as much help as possible.

“We’re just trying to get supplies to people now. This is going to be months and months to get everybody back to where they need to be,” Landry said.

One of the communities Landry has been sending donations to is the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, east of Grand Prairie, where 45 homes were destroyed.

“So, I know there’s a need for that. I have had companies reach out to me, so I’m trying to get them in touch with that just to make sure that they’re getting what they need,” Landry added.

Meanwhile, the Nation asked for more resources and firefighting equipment on Facebook.

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“The sturgeon lake Cree Nation is calling on levels of government and other organizations to support their efforts to fight the wildfire and to provide assistance,” the post reads. “The community is in need of supplies and resources, including firefighting equipment, food, water, and shelter.”

An evacuation order was renewed Saturday for the Sturgeon Lake area.

With files from Darren Rathwel