Fort McMurray fire a bigger challenge than 2013 floods, says Red Cross

A raging wildfire has displaced80,000 Fort McMurrayresidents, and while that's less than the 100,000 affected by the 2013 Alberta floods, the Canadian Red Cross says this disasterresponse is actually more challenging.

"Floods tend to be a little bit slower," said Jenn McManus, vice president of theCanadian Red Cross in Alberta.

"Fires are really fast, and erraticand unpredictable. Psychologically,it's really traumatic."

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McManus said the fast-moving flames poseserious hurdles for humanitarian and emergency response.

But she said co-ordination between various agencies will now be easier with the province-wide state of emergencyin place.

She is asking anyone who is able to makea cash donation, as gifts in kindcan bemore "cumbersome" to operationalize, she said.

The Alberta government will match all donations to the CanadianRed Cross in support of Fort McMurray.

"The most effective thing people can do right now is make donations to theRedCross, knowing our government willmatchthose funds," said Premier RachelNotley in a statement.

Donations can be made at theRedCrosswebsite or by phoning1-800-418-1111.

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