The fires in Fort McMurray have now grown to over 200,000 acres in size, forcing the evacuation of over 80,000 people. The Alberta government said Thursday that more than 1,110 firefighters, 145 helicopters, 138 pieces of heavy equipment and 22 air tankers were fighting a total of 49 wildfires, with seven considered out of control. Our thoughts and prayers are with the everyone effected by the fires, and to the front line responders that are fighting to try to keep it under control.
Roger Borchert that has written so many beautiful poems for our fallen heroes lost his house to a wildfire years ago and has shared this poem with all.
The Fingers of the Flames
A poem of the Forrest Fires which took so much from so many in Slave Lake Alberta that now shares so much with so many from Fort Mac
“The winds howled with fury Flames lit the sky Sparks and embers everywhere Smoke and ash blowing by Burning homes and businesses Reached down with all their might Stole those things a lifetime brings As tears filled our eyes.
Though the fingers of the flames Scorched mementoes of the past They stole those things material And left hearts pounding fast We will rise from the ashes Rebuild our town anew And be stronger in the future forth As we will do what we must do.
Family friends and loved ones raced Flames licking at their heels As they left their homes to fire’s fate To safety and a new A new day that will see the sun Rise and bring a calm To hearts that need to rise above To where their hearts belong.
The fury of a forest spoke Of hazards lying near Left our town in ashes now And held our lives in fear The work it took to overcome This endless daunting task The efforts of so many worked To bring them home at last Though the fingers of the flames Scorched mementoes of the past They stole those things material And left hearts pounding fast We will rise from the ashes Rebuild our town anew And be stronger in the future forth As we will do what we must do…”
By Roger Borchert Past Director of Operations Slave Lake AB
