There’s a raging wildfire burning in the province of Alberta. Over 10,000 hectares (that’s over 24,710 acres, for those of us who can’t think in metric without whipping out our calculators) have burnt so far; over 1,600 homes and buildings in the town of Fort McMurray have been destroyed; and more than 88,000 people (the whole town and its environs, more or less) have been evacuated.* The Alberta government has declared a provincial state of emergency.
Pictures, video, and breaking news can be found on the CBCnews liveblog, here – including the 6:36 Eastern time word that the Alberta government has pledged to match donations to Red Cross Canada dollar-for-dollar. The Red Cross Canada donation page is here.
*Obligatory writing reference: There are times when the passive voice is both appropriate and effective. This, I think, is one of them.
Dr. Doyle's Blog 
This Albertan thanks you for this post.
You’re welcome!
(I like the Red Cross. They don’t just do major disasters . . . around here, at least, if somebody’s mobile home burns down in midwinter when the snow is a foot deep at the trailer park and they’re left standing out in the weather in nothing to their names but their pajamas and their fluffy bunny slippers, it’s the local Red Cross that shows up with enough clothing and blankets to get them through the night.)
Reblogged this on Madhouse Manor and commented:
And this is why you have a bug-out bag all packed….