Fort McMurray marks third anniversary of ‘The Beast’

CALGARY (660 NEWS) — It has been three years since a massive wildfire forced an entire northern Alberta community to flee.

The wildfire, later dubbed “The Beast”, destroyed more than 2,500 structures and displaced tens of thousands of people for a month.

Evidence of the fire-ravaged areas can still be seen as only 36.7 per cent of destroyed homes have been rebuilt.

“I would estimate by the end of the summer because the building season is upon us that we will be well up over 50 per cent in the next months,” said Mayor Don Scott.

He admits he is not satisfied with the progress the community is making but they’re certainly moving forward.

“Some are dealing with contractors, some are dealing with insurance, some have other issues that are going on,” he pointed out. “I want everyone to respect what everyone else is experiencing and understand that not everybody is in the same place at this time.”

This year, there is a different feel for the anniversary he likens it to a reflection rather than a commemoration.

“It’s always going to be something that people will remember but please look out for your neighbours and remember we are a stronger community,” he said.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is continuing their work to implement 14 recommendations that came out in the wildfire review report.

“One of the questions I’ve been asking (fire) Chief Butz is ‘are we better prepared than we ever were before?’ and the answer is ‘yes’,” he said. “We’ve taken significant steps on each of the recommendations and are making good progress,” said Scott.

 

The Canadian Red Cross, Canadian Mental Health Association and Some Other Solutions are providing mental health supports for the community.

With files from Melanie Walsh and Megan McPhaden.

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