Thousands flee fire to temporary evacuation centers in Alberta Special

Athabasca - Thousands of Slave Lake residents have fled their fire ravaged town, to temporary evacuation centers in Athabasca, Westlock, Boyle and Edmonton.

Athabasca is hosting a large number of evacuees from the Slave lake fires. It is estimated that there are around 800 to 1000 people, at the Athabasca evacuation center. The Athabasca Regional Multiplex is serving as the Athabasca evacuation center; people are able to sleep in the large gym at the multiplex. The stores in Athabasca are quite full, “people are buying all the basic necessities” said one store clerk. Also because there was no power in Slave Lake when the people fled, they were unable to get any fuel. The gas stations have been quite hectic, as people try to fuel up. The local Athabasca town campground is full to bursting; people have started to camp wherever they are able. People, who were evacuated from the Salve Lake Hospital, have been sent to other hospitals in the area. Alberta premier Ed Stelmach has toured the affected areas. It is now estimated that a third of Slave Lake has been completely destroyed, including the town hall.