Disaster in Slave Lake

[Ken07AOVette]

The wind is roaring again here now, what is happening up north?

[BrownBear416]

Wind is calm and chance of rain the next few days..

Sounds like weeks till we can go home...

The Slave Map AlbertaDiver posted is very accurate...

Galaxy Land West Ed is offering free day passes to Slave Lakers for Friday May 20 from 10 am to 9pm. All you need is ID and you will be issued passes..


Anyone who can pass this message along please do as it would be a great way for familys to enjoy a carefree day free of charge..

Keep up the good work everyone and family and friends are truly humbled by the love and support from everyone in this great province.

[nonsuch]

Well like so many others my family lost our house all my hunting gear is gone, managed to grab my rifle and that was it, the wife got her pictures. We are just devistated but blown away buy the kindness that Alberta peeps have shown us.

[KegRiver]

Originally Posted by nonsuch

Well like so many others my family lost our house all my hunting gear is gone, managed to grab my rifle and that was it, the wife got her pictures. We are just devistated but blown away buy the kindness that Alberta peeps have shown us.

Sorry to hear of your losses.

I wish I could do more to help. I find myself wishing that my backhoe was much newer then it is. It's ancient really. But it's the only equipment that I own that might be of use, if it were newer.

I feel so helpless up here. I'm too far away, too poor and too old to offer much in the way of help. And I hate that.

About the only thing I can do that I know helps, is pray, and that is what I have been doing, and will continue to do.

[Ken07AOVette]

Originally Posted by nonsuch

Well like so many others my family lost our house all my hunting gear is gone, managed to grab my rifle and that was it, the wife got her pictures. We are just devistated but blown away buy the kindness that Alberta peeps have shown us.

Where are you staying?

[BBJTKLE&FISHINGADVENTURES]

Originally Posted by nonsuch

Well like so many others my family lost our house all my hunting gear is gone, managed to grab my rifle and that was it, the wife got her pictures. We are just devistated but blown away buy the kindness that Alberta peeps have shown us.

Sorry to hear that . Don't hesitate to ask for any help from any of us here . You name it we will do our best to make it happen . Hang in there .

[Lone_Wolf]

CL-415's slated to return to Slave Lake tomorrow for another day of "skimming and dumping".

[BBJTKLE&FISHINGADVENTURES]

Originally Posted by Lone_Wolf

CL-415's slated to return to Slave Lake tomorrow for another day of "skimming and dumping".

Man how may gallons can them puppys take at one time ? Them are huge planes . I dont know if the military planes are helping noticed a herc fly over and looked to of been converted into a water bomber . It was huge with the same belly type as any other water bomber ive seen . Was really cool to see . Noticed lots of smaller ones flying over to .

[npbra]

I just returned from 3 days of firefighting in Slave Lake and can not believe the crap that has been posted on this thread. Most of the statements made in regard to damage, resources and the so called looting are out and out fabrications. The people of Slave Lake have enough concerns without reading the misinformation placed on Forums. People, there is NO LOOTING, about 25 to 30% of the town is destroyed, RCMP station, Fire Hall, hospital, schools and the majority of the commercial and merchantial survived untouched by the fire. Over 300 hundred firefighters from across Alberta responded to Slave. Professional and volunteers alike, all requested by AEMA. SRD air assets on scene amount to about 8 helicopters and 3 fixed wing bombers. The ducks have not been used do to conditions not being favourable for them. Ground crews from BC were put to work today on the forest fires. So, if you aren't there, please quite spreading stories that you heard from the neighbors best friend who has a bud that was listening to CBC Toronto who got the info from the janitor after he talked to his third cousin who lives in Alberta somewhere. Rumors just make it worse for the people of the affected communities.

[mtylerb]

Originally Posted by npbra

I just returned from 3 days of firefighting in Slave Lake and can not believe the crap that has been posted on this thread. Most of the statements made in regard to damage, resources and the so called looting are out and out fabrications. The people of Slave Lake have enough concerns without reading the misinformation placed on Forums. People, there is NO LOOTING, about 25 to 30% of the town is destroyed, RCMP station, Fire Hall, hospital, schools and the majority of the commercial and merchantial survived untouched by the fire. Over 300 hundred firefighters from across Alberta responded to Slave. Professional and volunteers alike, all requested by AEMA. SRD air assets on scene amount to about 8 helicopters and 3 fixed wing bombers. The ducks have not been used do to conditions not being favourable for them. Ground crews from BC were put to work today on the forest fires. So, if you aren't there, please quite spreading stories that you heard from the neighbors best friend who has a bud that was listening to CBC Toronto who got the info from the janitor after he talked to his third cousin who lives in Alberta somewhere. Rumors just make it worse for the people of the affected communities.

Well done npbra. I'm sure your time spent up there has been greatly appreciated by everyone affected. Unfortunately there has been precious little information coming from any reliable source. With a lack of reliable information comes a lot of hypothesizing. I don't agree with it, but it can pretty much be expected.

I'm glad to hear it's not as bad as others have said, though still a tragic loss.

[Krista]

Found this ad on Kijiji.

http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ283615454

"We have a 28" travel trailer (1999 Westwinds) available in Stettler, AB to house a family of evacuees that may need to take residence for the summer, as long as you don't mind relocationg to Stettler until things have settled. We will cover the campground fees, as the Rotary campground has proposed a significantly reduced rate for this reason as we wish to donate the trailer. The campground is located right in Stettler, close to all anemities. The camper sleeps six, with bunkbeds, a separate master bed and a table that turns into a bed as well. Shower, three way fridge, stove and washroom in trailer. We also have room for storage in our garage in our home if needed! Must provide proof of residence (sorry, just to avoid scams!) Please contact Lindsay at 403-742-0435 OR 403-430-0485 Prayers out to everyone in Slave Lake "

[nonsuch]

We are staying at the best western right now trying to take care of the pape work and such.Also trying to keep it from the kids minds my 5 year old was teling me last night that he was sad that we had no house and I had to promise him that we dad would make it right and get him a houseand that it was allergys makeing my eyes water.

[berjerkin]

I've been in the tractor listening to 770 calgary the last 2 weeks, and remember on saturday the Mayor of Slave Lake giving a speech on the radio saying there is no threat to the town and nobody has anything to worry about.

Anybody else hear this?

[GRUNTCALL]

npbra"..... So, if you aren't there, please quite spreading stories that you heard from the neighbors best friend who has a bud that was listening to CBC Toronto who got the info from the janitor after he talked to his third cousin who lives in Alberta somewhere. Rumors just make it worse for the people of the affected communities." .....hehe, good man.

[Turtlewolf]

Originally Posted by berjerkin

I've been in the tractor listening to 770 calgary the last 2 weeks, and remember on saturday the Mayor of Slave Lake giving a speech on the radio saying there is no threat to the town and nobody has anything to worry about.

Anybody else hear this?

At the time the mayor made the speech there didn't seem to be a threat.
Thats how fast these situations can go to hell in a handbasket.
cheers

[BBJTKLE&FISHINGADVENTURES]

Originally Posted by nonsuch

We are staying at the best western right now trying to take care of the pape work and such.Also trying to keep it from the kids minds my 5 year old was teling me last night that he was sad that we had no house and I had to promise him that we dad would make it right and get him a houseand that it was allergys makeing my eyes water.

oh man now you got my eyes watering Damn Allergies . As ive said to anyone else on this forum . If there is anything we on this forum can do for you just ask . And we will make damned it gets done or at least give a good effort .

[Lone_Wolf]

Originally Posted by BIGBADJOHN

Man how may gallons can them puppys take at one time ? Them are huge planes . I dont know if the military planes are helping noticed a herc fly over and looked to of been converted into a water bomber . It was huge with the same belly type as any other water bomber ive seen . Was really cool to see . Noticed lots of smaller ones flying over to .

I believe it is 1,622 gallons. The smaller ones you are seeing could be "wheeled 802's" or "Amphibeous 802's".

Originally Posted by npbra

I just returned from 3 days of firefighting in Slave Lake and can not believe the crap that has been posted on this thread. Most of the statements made in regard to damage, resources and the so called looting are out and out fabrications. The people of Slave Lake have enough concerns without reading the misinformation placed on Forums. People, there is NO LOOTING, about 25 to 30% of the town is destroyed, RCMP station, Fire Hall, hospital, schools and the majority of the commercial and merchantial survived untouched by the fire. Over 300 hundred firefighters from across Alberta responded to Slave. Professional and volunteers alike, all requested by AEMA. SRD air assets on scene amount to about 8 helicopters and 3 fixed wing bombers. The ducks have not been used do to conditions not being favourable for them. Ground crews from BC were put to work today on the forest fires. So, if you aren't there, please quite spreading stories that you heard from the neighbors best friend who has a bud that was listening to CBC Toronto who got the info from the janitor after he talked to his third cousin who lives in Alberta somewhere. Rumors just make it worse for the people of the affected communities.

Actually, the four CL-415's from Quebec (based here) were at Slave yesterday and today again with two CL-215's. Other bombers that are at Slave Lake is two Electra's and four amphibeous 802's which have been working since the conditions improved on Monday morning. So I don't know where you got your info that there is only three fixed wing bombers and that they have not been flying, because that is false.

[FishingMOM]

According to Global News 374 homes were destroyed

[npbra]

Originally Posted by Lone_Wolf

I believe it is 1,622 gallons. The smaller ones you are seeing could be "wheeled 802's" or "Amphibeous 802's".



Actually, the four CL-415's from Quebec (based here) were at Slave yesterday and today again with two CL-215's. Other bombers that are at Slave Lake is two Electra's and four amphibeous 802's which have been working since the conditions improved on Monday morning. So I don't know where you got your info that there is only three fixed wing bombers and that they have not been flying, because that is false.

Bit of a misunderstanding in the way the sentence reads, 3 bombers were on scene and they were flying, the ducks that were there were not flying. The 4 engine planes came and went as the days wore on. It wasn't until Wednesday that the air assets became co-ordinated and more rotary wing stuff started flying. Four twin rotor heavy lift helicopters joined the other 5 or so smaller choppers in water drops. I was stationed at the Slave Lake fire hall all day Monday, right by the airport, and at Strike Team Staging, Canadian Tire parking lot, Tuesday and Wednesday. The twin rotor crafts were stationed at the mall area.

[827rotax]

Nonsuch and other that lost your homes, I am truly sorry for your loss. I am a framer and have 3 crews working and have done a lot of work in Slave. If it helps speed things up I would be happy to help you rebuild. Once the insurance comes and if it helps and the framing is holding you back I would be glad to send a crew in right away to help expedite your down time. My crews travel and we stay in holiday trailers and could save you some money that way, plus there is going to be a shortage of space for everyone.I want to help, this is by no way of bad intent, my crews are booked solid, but I would do whatever possible to help get you back home sooner then later.

[Ken07AOVette]

Does anyone have information on the helicopter incident today? trying to word it carefully, so as not to show any form of speculation.

[Elkaholic6]

Originally Posted by Ken07AOVette

Does anyone have information on the helicopter incident today? trying to word it carefully, so as not to show any form of speculation.

Witness said it tried to go into a hover and rolled sideways and fell into the water.

[Ken07AOVette]

I should have just googled it, what a tragedy.

[Lone_Wolf]

How tragic. When one of our group's bird dog returned th pilot said he heard on the radio that an aircraft went down in Slave but no idea if it was a plane or helciopter. I kept an eye on the web and updated everyone at the base as news came in. I hated telling them the pilot was dead. Put a real damper on the day.

[npbra]

It is always sad to see a life lost at a disaster. Based on info from one of our task force crews still on scene, rescuers were on scene almost immediately and were able to get the pilot out of the downed helicopter very quickly. Unfortunately it was not to be.

[FishingMOM]

Slave Lake residents are going to be allowed on bus tours starting next week to see the damage.

[Turtlewolf]

Originally Posted by FishingMOM

Slave Lake residents are going to be allowed on bus tours starting next week to see the damage.

Ya 500 of them, hows that for a kick in the haha?
Cheers

[sourdough doug]

And what they will see is that , They, the Town, or whomever is in charge, is at this very moment, removing all the basement concrete and whatever the excavators can get hold of and hauling it all away to a temp landfill site... So if you thought for a moment that you might be able to sift thru
..........YOUR PROPERTY and find momentos that survived the fire--
-FORGET IT... it will be gone by time they let us back in.
From where I stand, I don't know what I can do to stop what I feel I should have some say in.....Maybe I'm just full of hot air...

[Ken07AOVette]

That's not right, what about the fire proof safes?

[220swifty]

Originally Posted by Ken07AOVette

That's not right, what about the fire proof safes?

The RCMP are opening them up, according to a youtube video released by the RCMP.

Not right in my opinion.