This week’s forest fire in the Red Lake area has brought out some of the worst from Mother Nature but at the same time some of the best from the people of Sunset Country.
It is no doubt a very trying time for those who were forced to leave their homes, camps and businesses under an evacuation order. But even before the evacuation order many knew they had to leave. The safety of families, their loved ones and pets – the priority.
Residents leaving almost everything behind wondering when they will get to return and what they will be eventually returning to. The stress unimaginable – unless you’re living it.
Sometimes these horrific events bring out the best in people. The people of Sunset Country are evidence of that – answering the call and the need for those who have been displaced. In fact even before ‘the call’ individuals, businesses, groups, and organizations were doing what they could to help and continue to do so.
The sudden, urgent need for response was answered by not only the fire crews who continue the battle and the aircraft personal involved in evacuation efforts – but also neighboring communities who continue to offer support.
From the beginning this week when the forest fire had Red Lake area residents in their vehicles fleeing down the highway late at night – Coulson’s Corner in Ear Falls stayed open late and offered parking space, Northern Lights Resort on Camp Robinson Road with overnight accomodations for Red Lake evacuees, Dutchie’s General Store was open late in to the evening for anyone needing gas or diesel fuel and Kahooters Pit Stop in Ear Falls also stayed open. And that was just the beginning of the response from Sunset Country.
Ear Falls and The City Of Dryden quickly mobilized and became evacuation sites for displaced Red Lake area residents. Vermilion Bay also became ‘home’ for many. Others offered up their extra rooms, supplies and parking spaces .
Second Chance Pet Network in Dryden has available space for Red Lake residents pets. The dogs, the cats and more can all be taken care of.
There are countless others helping or offering help. It’s not only what we do – but what we need to do.
Red Lake – even if you’re not asking we will and are helping. Red Lake area residents – we are here for you. Red Lake we know you’d do the same for any other community in the region.
We’re all family. We take care of everyone. We are Sunset Country.
