It’s been less than a week since fire destroyed the Rocking Heart Ranch along the east boundary of Waterton Lakes National Park.
Parks Canada says the fire started near the park gates, sparked by an ember from the Kenow wildfire. In an instant, 50 years of memories were gone.
“Yes we lost the buildings, yes we lost the corrals and the infrastructure, but our family is safe and our livestock is safe,” Melody Garner-Skiba said about her parents’ ranch.
“The shock is over now; we’ve established a firm commitment to rebuild and move forward.”
Watch below from Sept. 12: A well-known ranch in southern Alberta has been destroyed by wildfire. But as Quinn Campbell reports, owners of the Rocking Heart Ranch refused to be knocked down by Mother Nature.
On Saturday, the ranch hosted its annual colt-starting challenge in Fort Macleod, an event that showcases the skills of up-and-coming horse trainers.
In a sea of support, donations came flooding in.
“There’s been donations of feed, there’s been donations of tack and we’ve actually started a fund through North & Company in Pincher Creek, where all the money and the donations are going to be funneled through that so we can help all southern Alberta ranchers who were affected by the fire,” Garner-Skiba said.
Mellissa Schmid and Kelsie Desrosiers were among several people who jumped into action after learning about the tragedy.
The two friends dropped off tack and feed to help the 100 horses who survived the fire.
“Your heart goes out to them,” Schmid said. “They lost generations of stuff. So it’s one thing to donate a few pieces, but your heart really goes out to them when they’ve lost their home and their livelihood.”
Garner-Skiba says the support for her family has been overwhelming.
With the community rallying behind them, the Garner family says they will rebuild.
“I feel nothing but hope today,” Garner-Skiba said.
“When you see the amount of support we’ve got and the strength that’s in this community, I’m hopeful for the future.”