SYDNEY, N.S. -- Emotions ran high at the airport in Sydney as more loved ones touched down for the first time since fires ripped through Fort McMurray.

“It was difficult,” said Khloe MacDonald, who was among those evacuated from Fort McMurray after devastating fires tore through the region. She made the trip to Sydney with her daughter, just four weeks old.

“Her husband came home from work, and they just left,” said Calvin MacDonald, Khloe’s father. “They just grabbed a bag of diapers, clothes on their back, and away they go.”

Others, like Georgette Burt, whose four children were also evacuated from the area, say the reality of the situation is just starting to hit home.

“I’m so proud of how all of them responded,” Burt said. "They used common sense, and looked after each other.”

Those now home say they’re thankful for the fresh air, a stark contrast to what they experienced in Alberta.

“I had to drive down to Edmonton from Fort McMurray. It was pretty scary. Smoky,” said Troy Sampson. “Fresh air is nice here now.”

While family members reunite, others are still living the vivid memories.

“Apparently, the hotel was burned,” said Derek Nippard, another evacuee. “The garage blew up. It was nothing but fire.”

While friends and family rejoice here, another Maritimer is feeling overwhelmed by a show of support from people across the country as she prepares for what is supposed to be one of the most memorable days of her life.

Originally from Cape Breton, Elise Boissonneult is getting married this weekend. Now staying in Toronto, she didn’t have time to stop at her seamstress’s house in Fort McMurray, where she had left her wedding dress.

“It’s been all across Canada. People from Nova Scotia, here in Toronto, there were people in Edmonton, Calgary, some in B.C.,” said Boissonneult. “It’s just crazy.”

A store in Toronto has donated not one, but two dresses for her special day. While she’s looking forward to her wedding, Boissonneult’s mind is still on the fires.

“It was a wall of smoke, and it just kept growing,” said Boissonneult. “You could feel the heat even when I was packing.”

No matter the situation, those who have evacuated say they’re thankful to be safe.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kyle Moore.