Support Fort McMurray firefighters, evacuees

The hearts of all Albertans are in Fort McMurray right now as the community deals with the devastating wildfires that are still ongoing.

Let me first offer my thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by this tragic situation. We are closely monitoring the situation at the legislature, and are standing by to assist in any way that we can.

Individuals have had to quickly flee their homes, and are moving either north or south from the city, looking for shelter and other resources.

Many of us are looking for ways to help, and to lend a helping hand to those who have been evacuated.

The very best way to offer assistance at this time is through cash donations. The Red Cross has set up a dedicated donation page at http://www.redcross.ca/ where money can be donated to those impacted by the wildfires. You can also text REDCROSS to 30333 to donate $5.

Many local communities are also working on plans to accommodate evacuees, and provide them a place to sleep and food to eat.

I would encourage you to contact your local municipal offices to offer any assistance in your community.

Up-to-date information on the ongoing wildfire situation is also available at http://emergencyalert.alberta.ca/.

As someone who lived through the devastating floods of 2005 and 2013 in southern Alberta, I can say with confidence that the best thing we can do is to monitor the news and follow the recommendations of emergency personnel, as needs for assistance and donations may change.

I would ask all Albertans to pray for the victims in this terrible tragedy and support all of our brave emergency service men and women on the front lines who are fighting to protect homes and save lives.

Pat Stier

Edmonton

-- Stier is the MLA for Livingstone–Macleod and the Wildrose Party's shadow municipal affairs minister.