Quebec has sent four water bombers to help Alberta in battling the fires.

The planes took off Thursday morning from the airport in Quebec City. 

Premier Philippe Couillard made the announcement Wednesday, saying he was moved by the images he's seeing, calling it a ‘cataclysmic situation’ and said Quebec will supply whatever help it can.

Due to the distance, so far four water bombers are the only immediate help they will receive.      

Because all flights to Fort McMurray are grounded, the water bombers have to land about 300 kilometres away.

They will scoop up water from lakes, and dump it on the inferno.

Every year, Quebec helps out other places that are in need, and in return receive assistance for local forest fires.

The province’s forest fire fighting agency, SOPFEU, will also send some people from here to help support firefighters in Alberta.

“Of course we are all touched by what's happening in Alberta. Our thoughts go to families. 80,000 people being evacuated out of Fort McMurray, it's a cataclysmic situation, obviously. My office is in touch with Ms. Notley’s office. I hope to talk to her as soon as possible. She's rather busy as you can imagine right now, but of course we are going to supply all that is needed with the reduced human resources. Firemen, airplanes, whatever is needed, we will provide. These are fellow Canadians and we want to be there with them,” said Couillard.

In addition to water bombers, various Quebec agencies, including the Quebec branch of the Red Cross are looking at how they can help.

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre announced Thursday afternoon the city would be making a donation of $100,000 to the Red Cross in solidarity.

And Megantic-L'Erable MP Luc Berthold and Lac-Megantic Mayor Jean-Guy Cloutier are encouraging locals to donate to the Red Cross.
 

Here’s how you can help:

If you need more information:

  • If you’re trying to find a loved one or need evacuation information, you can call the regional municipality at 780-762-3636 or the Red Cross at 1-888-350-6070.
  • To help keep track of evacuees and where they are located, anyone forced from their homes is asked to email wildfire@mwb.ca with their name, location and confirmation they are safe.
  • Facebook has also activated its safety-check feature for the Fort McMurray fire, an option for those who want to reassure their family and friends that they’re okay.
  • Many Alberta businesses are offering many different kinds of support. Check here for on-going details.
  • On social media follow #ymmhelp to offer or ask for help.