Calgary’s emergency management agency, CEMA, is sending 50 people to Fort McMurray with a semi-load of supplies to help battle the fire.

“Canada Task Force 2, our heavy urban search and rescue team which has the capacity to support all kinds of operations: logistics, rescue, those sorts of things,” said Chief Tom Sampson of CEMA. “We’ve created an incident management team, actually two of them, with services around Alberta. “

The team is bringing much-needed supplies to the area, and support for firefighters and emergency crews who are quickly reaching the point of exhausion.

“I don’t think we’ve ever gone out with our full complement of equipment, but we are taking everything including the kitchen sink, all of the food that we have supplied here, and we’ve also been requested to bring a semi full of water with us.”

Many communities throughout central and southern Alberta are ready to help out wherever they can as they watch the images of the wildfire burning out of control in Fort McMurray pour in over social media.

The City of Lethbridge and its emergency management staff will also be meeting on Wednesday to determine what support they can give to the fight.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Red Cross is also providing information on where people can help. They have set up the Alberta Fires Emergency Appeal, on their website, and a toll-free number: 1-888-350-6070.

Red Cross officials say they are also on standby and have not been asked to enter the area to help with relief.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, which has been very active on social media since the disaster began, tweeted on Tuesday night that evacuated residents should e-mail wildfire@rmwb.ca with their name, location and confirmation of safety.

Calgary donation information:

  • Northstar Ford is accepting supplies - water, diapers, blankets, etc.
  • Stephens blankets in Airdrie Superstore - accepting supplies
  • ATB Financial has created a disaster relief fund for those affected by the fire
  • Pet Planet is accepting donations.

The Red Cross has set up a call line for the public, for inquiries and to register call 1-888-350-6070. To make a donation, call 1-800-418-111 or visit the website HERE.

Click HERE for up-to-the-minute emergency information & contact numbers.

Mental health support is also available by calling Alberta’s 24-hour Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642.