My daughter in law called me from Fort McMurray yesterday to tell me they were all OK, but the flames had been a block and a half from their home the day before. The flames were beaten back, but late yesterday they were given a voluntary evacuation order, and decided to leave. She and her sister in law packed a camper with all the stuff they will need for a while, and headed north to the evacuation centre with their three kids. The husbands, one of whom is my son, were at work considerably north of the city. They were told they might have to stay at the mine overnight, as the buses that run them back and forth to work were assisting in the evacuation. I have been a bit stressed over this, but the kids keep calling me with updates, and letting me know that they are safe. Safe is good, but I hope they don't lose their home. It is at the edge of town, with the forest just across the road. The fire has already jumped the Athabaska River in spots, so the daanger to the property is real. The DIL sent me some pictures with the water bombers and helicopters working so close it looked like they were right over the houses.
They plan to live in the camper, and not take up room in the evacuation centre, which other people may need more.