I’ve had my eyes on Alberta Canada since June of 2013, when I first learned about the terrible destruction of pristine boreal forests and native communities in Alberta caused by the mining of tar-sands for crude oil production. Those operations are concentrated in the Fort McMurray area, so my interest and concern peaked recently when reports surfaced about the massive wildfires there.
Most, but not all of the mining operations are north of Fort McMurray, and most, but not all of the worst fires are in and to the south of Fort McMurray. But the fires and the oil mines are intimately linked. Here’s are several of the latest reports (thanks to Google):
Fort McMurray fire has been raging for over a week
Fort McMurray Fire Could Last Months: Officials
Man watches on CCTV as Fort McMurray fire devastates his home …
Yahoo7 News–17 hours ago
Wildfire at Fort McMurray quickly overtakes Canada’s environmental …
Fire continues to grow, expected to reach Saskatchewan border
Fort McMurray Wildfire: Evacuees Relocated as ‘Absolutely Vicious …
Fires in Canada’s Oil-Sands Region Grow
Canada Fire Disrupts, But Doesn’t Destroy, Oil Production
teleSUR English–9 hours ago
Emergency teams enter evacuated Fort McMurray to rescue the pets …
The Independent–1 hour ago
Disasters highlight the need for climate action
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette–11 hours ago
A dire warning
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel–5 hours ago
The ties that bind Canada together visible in Fort Mac
International–The Guardian Charlottetown–21 hours ago