Over a week ago, Global News crews first watched and then became part of a terrifying exodus out of Fort McMurray as a massive wildfire raged out of control.
“I need to show you. It’s not just on the border. This is Fort McMurray burning,” Global National reporter Reid Fiest said during a live broadcast during the mass evacuation on Tuesday, May 3.
“My God. We’re not going to be able to stay very long,” Fiest said as thick smoke blocked out the sun and the sky took on a dark orange hue.
Shortly after that live hit showing fire consuming nearby trees, our crew had to pack up and flee town, along with tens of thousands of residents.
It astonishes us how many residents of Fort McMurray stopped to share their stories with grace and courage. So many strangers helped our crews along the way and without them, we wouldn’t have been able to continue our coverage.
No small gesture has gone unnoticed, so we put together the video in the player above above to express our gratitude.
“There’s so many people I want to thank, including a woman, she offered us her home so we could sleep hours after the fire broke out and we fled,” Fiest described.
“Those few hours of sleep and the food that she so graciously shared with us, it made all the difference in the world to us, the crew,” said Global Edmonton reporter Fletcher Kent.
“It allowed us to continue telling the stories for days to come, so for that, thank you.”
Watch Below: Global Edmonton reporter Fletcher Kent has spent the week covering the Fort McMurray wildfire, at times having to run from his assignment. Fletcher is back in Edmonton and shares his experience of covering the story and the incredible generosity of those in Fort McMurray.
In the days to come, complete strangers stopped to lend a helping hand.
“I want to give a big shout out to the boys in Conklin who helped us change our flat tire, and to Gary from Winnipeg who gave us some gas on the side of the road when we needed it,” cameraman Cliff Harris said.
We also want to thank law enforcement and first responders who helped us cover the story.
“Thanks to the RCMP officer who pulled me over when I was racing up here on the weekend,” anchor Shaye Ganam said. “He gave me a lecture, instead of a ticket.”
The last word goes to cameraman Dean Twardzik, who summed it all with a simple, “Thank you.”
Watch Below: The devastating wildfire in Fort McMurray caused a wake of evacuations and chaos as tens of thousands of residents fled the flames. See how the disaster unfolded over the course of the week.
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