Yeah, it is amazing how big it is...I listen to the Canadian media daily (even before this fire) and I am also surprised at virtually zero mention of potential oil production problems.
I think it is for the reason you mentioned...it would be seen as in bad taste.
Funny, when I posted my original point about production, I was assuming at least someone would comment how morbid or innapropriate my comment was given all the non-lethal tragedy involved in the situation.
Actually, I think no one has died from the whole thing yet (I could be wrong)...that is truly amazing. A testament to the way everyone has handled the situation there.
Note: I just read how at least one person died in a car accident while fleeing the fire, unfortunately.
Even with that, it's still a miracle.
This is from a newspaper account that I can't find on line.
"As soon as my husband stepped on the accelerator the flames swept right up against my side of the car. The heat was like a wave...." "I don't know how fast we were going, but he had his foot all the way to the floor, we were certainly over 100 [kph] and the fire was leaping ahead of us."
I'd be cleaning my underwear in that situation.
Part of the low casualty rate is that we have been through these before, and one of the few benefits in having a national police force, everyone knows what to to. Long gone are the days when home owners would argue or insist on staying, when an evacuation order comes down, everyone moves. What is amazing is there were 88,000 residents located on two sides of the Athabaska river and one bridge. First, an estimated 25,000 fled north to the camps in the oil fields, but then yesterday morning they all had to sneak back south through a break in the fire escorted by RCMP and helicopters.
Kind of like a miniature D-Day
I also have to note that Alberta is ponying up $200 million for direct aid [money in the pocket] for now, Ottawa is matching Red Cross $ which now stands at $30 million. Every Safeway, McDonald's and more than a few independent businesses are posting signs for donations, one or two say they will match what shoppers donate. A caravan of four semi's left Vancouver yesterday loaded with supplies.
Meanwhile, this province has a "monster fire" all it's own...it broke free of containment yesterday..
B.C. wildfires continue to burn as wet weather approaches - British Columbia - CBC News
The new issue? Drone aircraft. Idiots are sending them in to get pictures and don't realize they pose a hazard to air crews, if there's a drone around they have to ground the planes and helicopters
