Crisis and Recovery - The Official Story of the Lesser Slave River Wildfires

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; the largest natural disaster 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 kilometres 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.