Fort McMurray crisis 'horrific', Dwight Ball says

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball, describing the fire devastationin Fort McMurray as "horrific," said his government will help with a nation-wide response to the Alberta crisis.

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"Itis devastating. This is very tragic,"Ball told reporters Wednesdayat Confederation Building, adding that hehas spoken to friends directlyaffected by the raging wildfire that forced a mandatory evacuation on Tuesday.

Ball said he will speak with Alberta Premier RachelNotleyto discuss what Newfoundland and Labrador can doto help.

He said waterbombers and firefighters are being prepared in the event that they are needed to help fight the fire in Fort McMurray.

Speaking in the House of Assembly on Wednesday afternoon, Ball offered up thoughts and prayers to residents of the area displaced by theraging wildfire, includingthousands of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians living and working there.

"Our province reached out to offer help in whatever way needed," Ball said.

"The provincial government is ready to respond to the needs of residents in Fort McMurray."

Ball said in the past Newfoundland and Labrador has sent aircraft, firefighters and its incident management team to other provinces.

"While sharing our resources, we will continue to be equipped to protect our province, our people and forest resources."

Ball said in the house that Wednesday is International Firefighters Day and he wanted to take the chance to thank those fighting the fire in Alberta.

'Just awaiting the call'

The Red Cross in Alberta is already working to help those displaced and hasset up temporary shelters for some of the estimated 70,000 people forced to evacuate.

The Atlantic regional spokesperson for the Red Cross, Dan Bedell, said there are people from this province with the specializedtraining needed to set up the sites.

"I am sure they've got their bags packed and are just awaiting the call," Bedell told the St. John's Morning Show on Wednesday.

"We need to get a new assessment this morning [Wednesday] from our Alberta team on what they need and if they think they need some of those additional resources sent immediately, then that's whatwill be done."

The Red Cross has already started taking donations online at RedCross.ca.

"Some people have lost everything already," Bedell said.

"Their sheltering requirement is going to go on for a longer period of time and their needs are going to be that much greater which is why we've already opened up the appeal for this disaster"