Couple, originally from N.W.T., ordered to evacuate Fort McMurray, again

CBC

16 May 2024 at 6:11 pm·2-min read

Sue Clarke, left, and Tom Clarke, originally from Fort Smith, N.W.T., now live in Fort McMurray and have had to evacuate the community twice in the past eight years due to threatening wildfires. (Submitted by Sue Clarke - image credit)

Eight years after having to evacuate from their home as a wildfire grew closer to Fort McMurray, Alta. Tom and Sue Clarke have been told to leave again.

An evacuation order is in effect for the neighbourhoods of Beacon Hill, where Tom and Sue live, and for for Abasand, Prairie Creek and Grayling Terrace.

The couple, originally from Fort Smith, N.W.T., say there are differences and similarities from the 2016 experience, but the heavy emotions that come with leaving haven't changed.

"I just recall my foot shaking so bad I could hardly keep it on the gas pedal," Sue said, of her drive out of town earlier this week. She is now staying in Edmonton.

"I had my panic attack, I had my tears and then I just got angry."

Plumes of smoke rise behind a house in Fort McMurray, Alta.

Plumes of smoke rise behind a house in Fort McMurray. (Submitted by Sue Clarke)

She said many in Fort McMurray are dealing with stress from the 2016 evacuation, where many residents drove through flames to safety.

But there are key differences this time around, Sue said.

"The total chaotic panic wasn't there," she said.

Sue said there were some people who were rushing to get out first, but for the most part people were orderly.

A photo of the smoke seen from Fort McMurray, Alta.

A photo of the smoke seen from a neighbourhood of Fort McMurray. (Submitted by Sue Clarke)

Tom said people were also more prepared for the evacuation this time around.

Another key difference for the couple is that Tom didn't leave when the evacuation order went out this time.

He said he's helping protect neighbours' properties, which includes FireSmarting them. He's also sending updates to Sue and other neighbours.

Cars line up on the highway in Fort McMurray. Four neighbourhoods in Fort McMurray, Alta. were ordered to evacuate earlier this week as a wildfire threatened parts of the city.

Cars line up on the highway in Fort McMurray. Four neighbourhoods in the city were ordered to evacuate earlier this week as a wildfire threatened parts of the city. (Submitted by Sue Clarke)

Tom said having been through a previous evacuation, he knows when it will be time to leave.

"I've seen the worst that it can be, so this right now, I'm totally at ease," he said.

Sue said she misses her husband but is also proud of him for keeping their home safe.

She said she knows he won't put himself in danger and will leave before it's too late.

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