No matter how large our communities have become, the urge to help others in a time of need is hard to displace.
While in Ottawa this past week, we received a News tip that Arthur was going to host evacuees escaping forest fires near the Ontario-Manitoba border. Within a short period of time, our reporters back in Wellington County were on the job.
It was not until we returned that the scope of the mission was revealed – some 7,000 residents were evacuated due to 115 forest fires. Stratford is another community close to here that accepted the call for lodging, which must make Perth-Wellington MPP John Wilkinson very proud. It is good News for a change.
In this part of Ontario, seasonal grass fires or a barn blaze are about as big as fires get. For our friends in the north, thousands of acres of forest can easily turn from a calm tapestry of emerald and jade in to a raging sea of flames and smoke, leaving little chance for anything in its path.
Through carelessness or maybe lightning on a warm summer night, forest fires are tough to beat and despite the valiant efforts of firefighters, there will be loss – wildlife, vegetation, homes, businesses and, regrettably, human life is sometimes ended too.
We remain curious that families ended up separated as a result of this evacuation. If this time was not difficult enough, being alone in a strange place and worrying about family elsewhere has to be tough. Convenors suggested to us earlier in the week that donating calling cards for Bell land lines are one way to ease the strain for local guests.
As often happens in these impromptu situations, there will be a list of items to be improved upon. Between the Red Cross, County Emergency Planning and Wellington North Township, a debriefing exercise will greatly help the next time tragedy befalls a neighbour in need, even if that neighbour is from hundreds of miles away.
For now, we are glad to see a local council step up and assist. It says something about a special part of Wellington County.
