Firefighters with roots in the Maritimes are continuing their efforts to battle the ongoing wildfires in Fort McMurray.
Alberta oil worker Darcy Hawley recently returned home to Halifax. His youngest brother remains on the front lines battling the massive flames.
“It's like a horror movie. It's hard to imagine it's even happening,” said Hawley. “We're only hearing like every six hours from his wife via text that he's safe.”
He finally heard his brother’s voice on Friday.
“It was one of the best feelings I've had in a long, long time,” said Hawley. “He's a hero of mine right now. They've been going non-stop since Sunday.”
Hawley says he was safe at camp, but only 35 kilometers from the fire.
The chaos felt all too close.
“A lot of smoke. There was ash falling from the sky and there was just a big haze over the whole area,” said Hawley.
Relief efforts continue to ramp up right across the Maritimes. Several businesses are accepting cash donations and are offering to match them up to a certain amount.
In Nova Scotia, efforts are underway to help those who have already returned from Alberta. Volunteers in Middle Sackville have set up a relief station at a local recreation centre, where people can wait for a lift home.
“We've had a lot of people sharing it and offering their time, offering to drive and offering to make food, offering to do anything.
Provincial governments are also offering support.
"We are also going to be doing something to ensure that the people who are coming back from Fort McMurray here to New Brunswick we'll be aware of the programs available that they can access," said New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant.
The Red Cross says more than $29 million has been raised for those impacted in Fort McMurray.
“It's heartwarming,” said Hawley. “People are so generous.”
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Matt Woodman.
