Help IAFF Members Who Lost Their Homes in Fort McMurray Wildfire Disaster

Dear IAFF Member,

By now, you have probably seen images of the massive wildfire that is currently raging in the city of Fort McMurray, in northern Alberta, Canada, and are thinking about our Local 2494 members who are doing their job protecting the city and its citizens while their own families and homes are at risk.

The IAFF is working closely with 6th District Vice President Lorne West and the Alberta Fire Fighters Association (AFFA) to help coordinate assistance and provide direct relief to the approximately 170 members of Fort McMurray Local 2494 members who live in the city and are directly affected by this disaster.

At this time, it is reported that all of our members’ families have evacuated the area.

However, the fires have already destroyed the homes of eight members, and today the fires are threatening a large area of the city that contains 30,000 homes, including those belonging to many more Local 2494 members.

We all understand the sense of duty our members in Fort McMurray feel as they respond to this disaster, as well as the distress of knowing their own homes and all their possessions may be lost, if they’re not lost already.

The IAFF has received many questions about how to assist the efforts in Fort McMurray and support our members who are affected. The best way to assist the situation right now is through the IAFF Disaster Relief Fund*, which is specifically designed to provide short-term, immediate financial assistance to IAFF members who are affected by major disasters.

You can help the members of Fort McMurray Local 2494 immediately with a $10 donation by texting DISASTER to 50555*.

You can also make a secure online donation. Tax receipts are available.

The IAFF shares your thoughts and concerns about our members in Fort McMurray and all residents of the area, and will keep you updated on this disaster as it continues to unfold, online through our web site and social media channels.

In the meantime, please show your support for your IAFF members in Fort McMurray with a donation to the IAFF Disaster Relief Fund.

Fraternally,

Harold A. Schaitberger
General President    

IAFF Disaster Relief Fund: Part of the IAFF Charitable Foundation, the IAFF Disaster Relief Fund was founded in 1993 in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Andrew. The Disaster Relief Fund has also been used to assist members affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and other disasters, including the Calgary floods of 2013.