Family watches Fort McMurray Home Burn from Doorbell security

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• published: 06 May 2016
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Homeowner watches Fort McMurray home burn on security cam 'It just doesn't seem real': Fort McMurray residents flee their homes Fort McMurray man credits neighbour, girlfriend with saving him from burning home Security cams keep Fort McMurray woman updated on status of home, cat Fort McMurray Wildfire: 'Nasty, Dirty Fire' Burns Over 18K Acres as More Homes Are Lost Fort McMurray residents face long wait as fire crews 'still have a long way to go' Family watches Fort McMurray home burn from doorbell security camera Man watches Fort McMurray home burn on security cam At the beginning the only thing out of the ordinary is the intense crackling. Then, the south-facing window goes dark. Only minutes after the video begins, the window shatters and plumes of ashy smoke pour into the room. The smoke eventually blocks out the light, and you’re left again with just sound—popping and breaking, until the video cuts out. O’Reilly was in his truck, his wife in a vehicle behind, at Gregoire Lake south of town when he watched his home destroyed. He’d just driven through six packed lanes of traffic, the air full of so many embers it looked like fire brushing the sides of the camper he was pulling, and he says the adrenaline softened the blow—but now, its starting to settle in. “We’ve ben talking for two days about all the things we left behind,” he said. “We left pretty much all our important papers, some important pictures, we left a glass of Candace’s father who passed away.” House burns to the ground 20 minutes after occupants left. When thousands fled the flames in Fort McMurray Tuesday most wondered if they’d ever see their homes again. James O’Reilly didn’t have to wonder—he watched his home of almost 20 years burn to the ground on his iPhone. The video — shot by an indoor security camera about twenty minutes after O’Reilly and his wife had just barely enough time to grab some clothing and go — starts with a clear view of their living room, front window and two clown fish in a tank. “We’re better than most,” he said. “We made it through, and we have our camper, so we have a home on the road.” The original 5 minute video has been sped up. She was upset about the safety of her son and his young family as their family-oriented community was emptied out and residents directed to a shelter housed in a recreation centre 40 kilometres southwest of the city. Rogan Wentzell, who grew up and played hockey with his brother in Bridgewater, didn’t think there was a way he’d be able to help from half-way across the country. “And then I thought. . .well maybe there is.” He reached out to the people the pair played hockey with as kids and set up a GoFundMe Page called “Devin and Alana’s new house fund.” In one day it raised almost $2,300. Speaking to the Chronicle Herald from an Edmonton hotel room on Thursday morning, Devin sounded worn, devastated and in shock. Wednesday afternoon they were told they had to evacuate the emergency centre. A friend sprung a room for the exhausted family for three nights. “We’re a lot more comfortable now than we were, and got a better night’s sleep last night that’s for sure,” said Devin.But it wasn’t a sound one. Wentzell says the family will surely put the donations they receive to good use, though they know it won’t rebuild their home. “Honesty, we don’t know what our next steps are. We’re still sitting here trying to figure things out, whether we stay here or go back to Nova Scotia.” His wife has family in Kenora, Ont., so that is an option too. “It’s definitely conflicting,” he said. “A third of our life has been spent here. Our friends are here.” Their daughter Kate was born in Fort McMurray, and far from the industrial town it’s often portrayed as being, Wentzell said the city contains many family-oriented neighbourhoods with a generous community spirit. What Wentzell doesn’t understand is how this was allowed to happen. “We remember Slave Lake but we didn’t learn from it.” “All of Fort McMurray is built on hills, and fire burns faster uphill,” he said. “There’s going to be a lot of questions.” 1,600 structures lost in Fort McMurray as fire consuming city grows to 10,000 hectares Fort McMurray fire: Escape convoy planned Fort McMurray: Canada wildfires force evacuation of oil sands city tag :Homeowner, watch, Fort McMurray, home ,burn, security cam