If you are seeking assistance, please contact the Government of Alberta at 310-4455 for wildfire-related information and support or go online at www.alberta.ca/emergency.
For Emergency Evacuation Payment information, please visit www.alberta.ca/emergency.
Please contact your local municipalities or authorities to register if you have not done so.
How the Canadian Red Cross is Helping
Immediate Support to Not-for-Profit Organizations
Local and neighbouring community service organizations play a critical role in supporting the response to, and recovery from, emergencies and disasters. Thanks to the generosity of donors, and with the support of the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada through the 2023 Alberta Fires donation match, eligible not-for-profit organizations who are supporting people impacted by the wildfires and who meet the minimum requirements may apply for funding to support those affected by the 2023 Alberta Wildfires.
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Canadian Red Cross response, as of May 25, 2023:
- Through its Immediate Support to Not-for-Profit Organizations program, the Canadian Red Cross is providing $5,000 in one-time funding to eligible community organizations who provide direct services to individuals impacted by the 2023 Alberta Fires. This program supports local and neighbouring community organizations who are providing immediate relief assistance to those affected by the fires, alongside other responders on the ground. Learn more about the program here.
- Canadian Red Cross is providing supplies such as cots, blankets, and hygiene kits throughout the province, as requested by the Alberta Emergency Management Agency.
- At the request of the city of Edmonton, the Canadian Red Cross provided accommodation support to people evacuated from Drayton Valley, Brazeau County, and area. The evacuation orders have been lifted and residents are or have, returned home.
- At the request of communities, the Canadian Red Cross supported the re-entry of people into communities affected by the wildfires. On Thursday, May 18, the Red Cross was in Drayton Valley to provide after-the-fire and clean-up kits, emotional support, information, and referrals.
- The Canadian Red Cross remains ready to support communities and individuals impacted by wildfires in Alberta, as requested by Indigenous leadership, local municipalities, or the provincial government.
Appeal for Donations
Those wishing to help people impacted by the wildfires are encouraged to make a financial donation to the 2023 Alberta Fires Appeal in one of the following ways:
The Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta will each match every dollar donated to the Canadian Red Cross
2023 Alberta Fires Appeal. This means that every $1 donated will become $3 to support those affected by the wildfires.
Donations to the Canadian Red Cross will be used for immediate and ongoing relief,
recovery, and resilience efforts in response to fires, and community preparedness and risk reduction for future all-hazard disaster events within Alberta.
Additional Resources
After Wildfires
- Review the step-by-step Canadian Red Cross Guide to Wildfire Recovery for information on what to do when you return home after wildfires.
- Home Inventory Checklist: a list of your home inventory which is helpful both for insurance and other assistance programs. In the case of an insurance claim, an insurance provider would use a similar form to assess the cost to repair or replace lost or damaged items. These items are referred to as home contents.
- Substantial Repair and Reconstruction Contract Checklist: Hiring a contractor for damage or rebuild? Use this checklist with tips as a guide when reviewing the contract prior to signing with a contractor.
Wellbeing and Coping with Crisis
Following an emergency or disaster, a person may experience a range of thoughts, feelings and behaviours that can be intense, confusing, and frightening. These experiences trigger responses that can include physical, emotional, and behavioural reactions.
There are many resources to help you, your family, and your community. Learn more about Coping with Crisis, including ways that you can care for yourself and your loved ones during an emergency.
If you are concerned for the immediate safety or yourself or someone else, call a local crisis support line or 911 right away. Additional resources are listed below and specialized crisis lines and services can also be found here.