Fort McMurray residents tell their stories and give thanks

Fort McMurray residents have a lot to say, but what they say usuallyhas to fit the story that thereporter istelling, so CBC reporter Travis McEwaninvited them to talk about whatever they wanted.

The subjects ranged from thanks, a monument to honour firefighters, a fire break to prevent another wildfire emergency, and finding pride after loss.

The setup was simple. A camera, tripod, microphone, and a sign encouraging passersbyto talk about anything they wanted to get off their chest. These residents didn't shy away from the opportunity.

Proud to be an Albertan

Gibbons Mlowe, a native of Tanzania, has been living in Fort McMurrayand working in the oilfield for close to a decade. He's experienced a growing sense of pride that's becomemore intense than ever before.

"I've always been proud to be an Albertan and a Canadian," said Mlowe. "But this time it was a confirmation for me that I live in the best place in the world."

He wonders what would have happened if a wildfire of this magnitude struck his home country of Tanzania.

"We'd be talking about a heavy toll. A lot of casualties, and fatalities.

"Looking at what happened here in the shortest amount of time, and shortest notice possible, I'm amazed. I'm so proud at how we set the bar of how to deal with an emergency."

A monumental return

Ken Kalloway and his family stayed in Wandering River on an acreage owned by strangers for a month.

He used his experience as a contractor to pay his debt by fixing the siding of their home.

He's been in Fort McMurray since Thursdayand is still awe of the greeting he and others received fromfirefighters on an overpass above Highway 63.

He would like that feeling to continue with a monument honouring the emergency crews who fought to save the city.

"The two big fire trucks, all the firemen, the flags flying and everybody welcoming you home. I think the monument should be something like that or represent that," Kalloway said.

For the future

David Parent was born and raised in Fort McMurray. Like many othersin the Beacon Hill neighbourhood, his home was burned to rubble.

He thankseveryone who worked to get the city back up and running to allow him to return to work in the oilsands.

He now looks to the future and how the city can prevent the threat of another devastating wildfire disaster.

"Maybe a fire break could be built around the whole community," said Parent. "I know we'd lose some of the forest around the community, but it would help out if this ever happens again."

I'm not going anywhere

Fort McMurray resident of 27 years, Bill Armstrong is thankful for the efforts of the first responders, fire chief Darby Allen, and the support of local resident and Wildrose leader Brian Jean.

He says the world watched the fire burn their city and they did what they could to help. It's something he won't forget.

Now that he's back in his Gregoire home, he says he's committed to get Fort McMurray returned tohow it was before the fire inanyway he can.

"We are Fort McMurray. We are strong, and we will rebuild," said Armstrong with the confidence of a motivational speaker.

"I'm going to stick around just for that fact. We've gotten back up on our feet in the past and we'll do it again."

@Travismcewancbc

Travis.mcewan@cbc.ca