By Canadian Press

Fort McMurray fire first responders honoured in Alberta legislature ceremony

Oct 31, 2016 | 12:15 PM

EDMONTON — Premier Rachel Notley and her government paid tribute Monday to those who came to Alberta’s aid during the spring’s devastating Fort McMurray wildfire.

Notley said their actions reflected the resilience of all 88,000 people who were forced to flee the fires in May.

“While the disaster changed the lives of tens of thousands of people, it did not destroy their strength, their resilience or courage,” Notley said at a ceremony at the legislature.

The government honoured representatives of nine first-responder agencies.

Opposition Wildrose Leader Brian Jean, whose constituency includes Fort McMurray, choked up as he thanked those who stepped up to help.

pay and ride

Popular e-bike sharing program launching in Nanaimo

2h ago

exemption required

'Give the police the tools they need:' Provincial government again looking to ban public drug use

4h ago

24/7 support

Major supportive housing complex set to open in Nanaimo

6h ago

“These are the people that lined the highways — provided gas, water, food — and drove towards the flames to help our fellow Albertans,” he said.

The blaze destroyed more than 2,400 homes and buildings, and torched more than 5,000 square kilometres.

One of the award recipients, Wood Buffalo fire Chief Darby Allen, said people are still grappling with the memories and reminders of the devastation.

“We’re having a tough time up there,” said Allen. “People are struggling mentally with the fire, what happened to them.

“It’s hard to put your finger on it. It’s just different. People ask me all the time, ‘What’s it like now?’ It just feels different.”

Fallout from the fire continues to be felt across the province. It has added an estimated $500 million to this year’s budget deficit, which brings the revised red ink total to $10.9 billion.

The Alberta government also tabled legislation Monday that would raise maximum fines to $100,000 from $5,000 for anyone engaging in behaviour that could lead to wildfires.

The fine for corporations would be up to $1 million.

The size of a fine would depend on the nature of the violation and would be determined by the courts.

The proposal also includes a $10,000 maximum fine for industrial violations such as lack of firefighting equipment on a work site.

People burning fires during a fire ban without a permit or abandoning a campfire while it is still going would be fined between $150 and $1,000.

The Canadian Press