Firefighters from Fort MacMurray recently braved the cold and outdoor elements to take part in a charity cookout, with all the money raised to be given to local charities. Five members of the local fire department climbed onto the roof at the Eagle Ridge Tim Hortons to start a 100 hour ordeal, and donations that were collected during the charity campout event will benefit local charities that include the Fort MacMurray SPCA, the Boys and Girls Club, the Centre of Hope, the Wood Buffalo Food Bank, and the Unity House. According to Fort McMurray Firefighter Association charities committee member Ryan Carnochan said during the event “So far this week everything is going good. Kickoff was a huge success yesterday and every night at the bar we’re selling 50-50s and raffles.”

The Fort MacMurray firefighters charity campout was no walk in the park for the firemen. The Tim Hortons roof was outfitted with a large tent and table, as well as tables, chairs, a couch, and even a foosball table to entertain the firefighters. Ryan Carnochan explained “The guys on the roof aren’t allowed to come down, they’re not allowed to touch ground and feel what it’s like for 100 hours. They have to … stare at everyone on the ground and wish they were here with us.” Kyle Hitchcock was one of the firefighters who camped out, and this was his first year being out in the elements like that. Hitchcock stated “We’re up here for the whole 100 hours. It’s pretty interesting, knowing that we can’t come down to shower or use the bathrooms, gotta use the porta potty and stuff.”