The wildfires in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada have been blazing since the start of May and have so far destroyed over 2400 buildings, including homes and businesses, and have resulted in an evacuation of approximately 90,000 citizens. Having yet to be completely tamed by fire fighters, the truly exceptional part is that, of the approximate 90,000 evacuees, not one person has died on account of the fires (there have been accidents that have unfortunately resulted in fatalities, but the fire itself has not taken one human life).
As first responders and emergency managers know, this is quite an exceptional crisis management feat. So what is it about the evacuation and the crisis communications of the first responders, the authorities and the local organizations (employers) that has resulted in such an exceptional and successful evacuation?
Tune in to this week’s episode of the crisis intelligence podcast, where Garth Rowan and I embark in a preliminary discussion regarding the crisis communications of those involved in the evacuation and emergency response in Fort McMurray.
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Learn more about Garth Rowan
Connect with him on LinkedIn
Email Garth directly: garth@beready.ca
Check out Garth’s blog posts on The Crisis Intelligence Blog
Listen to another great podcast with Garth: TCIP #036 – How To Conduct a Crisis Simulation with Garth Rowan
A big thanks to Garth for taking the time to have this interesting discussion with me. And a sincere and heart-filled thank you to all the first responders and emergency managers out in Alberta who have put their lives on the line to help and care for the people of Fort McMurray.