Anzac locals have been tireless in their efforts to pitch in and help out after a wildfire has evacuated Fort McMurray and sent over 80,000 people fleeing the area. Residents who evacuated have ended up in many places, some went to stay with friends or family but many others have had to sleep in their vehicles or seek help and assistance for people from towns like Anzac. Fort McMurray has sustained incredible losses so far and the wildfire continues to pose a threat to the area because of the size and intensity of the blaze. 80% of the Beacon Hill area has been destroyed, 75% of Abasand is a complete loss, and half of the oldest neighbourhood in Fort McMurray, Waterways, has been destroyed. The Timberlea neighbourhood lost 30 trailers, and Wood Buffalo also lost 30 additional homes.

The compassion and generosity of Anzac locals is just one of many heartwarming stories that are coming out of the Fort McMurray wildfire. Fort McMurray Mayor Melissa Blake was in tears during a press conference where she attempted to reach out to those who have been displaced by the fire, and she told the community “Be the brave people that I know you are.” Anzac only has a population of around 700 people, but yet more than 8,000 evacuees have managed to get to this town and need assistance right now. Former fire chief of Anzac Darryl Woytkiw has been part of the coordination efforts for evacuees explained “If you came here, we made sure you were not homeless. Almost everyone you see here is a resident of Anzac, giving their time. Local businesses are providing all the food and water they can. Nexen, ConocoPhillips and the other nearby oilsands sites have been fantastic.”