The wildfire threatening Fort McMurray is bringing back a dark time for people who were affected by wildfires around here.
Almost seven years ago, lives were threatened and homes were lost for many in the Spryfield area after a massive forest fire.
This very week back in 2009, the dry woods of Spryfield ignited and fire spread quickly. Thousands were forced to evacuate their homes, including Michael Smith and his wife Chigaya.
“At first, we saw it in the distance and it just looked like a pillar of smoke,” Smith says. “I guess the wind changed direction, and I think we had 15-20 minutes to get out of the house.”
The couple retreated to a community centre, however, their house miraculously survived.
“For six hours, we thought our home was gone,” says Smith, “terrible feeling it was. We were just totally empty.”
Halifax Fire responded to the flames that day, but even manpower and equipment wasn’t enough for some. Eight other houses were destroyed.
“What I remember most specifically is how dramatic fire conditions were,” says Smith.
Seven years later, the memories of the blaze are still fresh in the minds of Spryfield residents. Every home but two have been rebuilt, but the evidence remains in all of the dead trees.
The couple hopes to never relive that day seven years ago, and have complete sympathy for those displaced in Fort McMurray.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Bruce Frisko.
