The dense forest throughout Lesser Slave River adds to our region's rugged mystique. However, our most abundant natural asset can also pose a very real danger to lives, homes and livelihoods when wind direction, moisture codes and other variables conspire. In the early afternoon of Sunday, May 15, 2011, conditions for disaster to strike could not have aligned with more devastating precision.
By now, most of us have heard about the Lesser Slave River wildfires; one of the largest natural disasters in Canadian history. But the most important stories left to tell are those of communities working together to help one another. Of firefighters who drove hundreds of kilometers to join the fight. Of municipal neighbours who donated clothing, fresh water and other vital supplies in the blink of an eye. These are their stories.
Content for this section of our website has been gathered from many sources including media outlets, municipal workers on site, and in many cases ordinary individuals who rose to the task of helping their neighbours to safety. While their words, images and videos have been vital in helping us tell our story, we request that they remain on this site with the exception of reproduction for educational purposes.
A Chronicle of the May 2011 Wildfires
Disaster Timeline
Evacuation Efforts
Emergency Ops
The Aftermath
Stories from Those who Were There