Fort McMurray

Fort McMurray is located in Alberta and contains a variety of neighborhoods including Abasand Heights, Beacon Hill, and Timberlea. Fort McMurray exists because of bitumen mines and upgrading facilities. It grew quickly because of the money to be made in the mines, and the real estate market remains grossly inflated. Fort McMurray has also suffered a variety of growing pains in the form of high rates of drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and car accidents.

Mix 103 Studio

Chris Vandenbreekel operates out of the Mix 103 studio which has a clear view of the explosive wildfire. Vandenbreekel interviews Bernie Schmitte here, and Schmitte explains that a darkening fire column means trouble. Schmitte sits and sweats in the studio because the column is clearly darkening. The view out the studio window is one of the best vantage points from which to view the growing wildfire. Clearly, evacuation is...