A Fort McMurray man whose relatives from war-torn Syria recently migrated to northern Alberta as refugees says his family has escaped one fire for another.
Fahed Labek fled the encroaching wildfire flames two days ago with his mother, sister, husband-in-law and their two children, who arrived in Canada in late February.
Labek, who made it to Edmonton after a harrowing journey, says he's concerned the refugees are enduring additional trauma after leaving the Middle East.
But he says he's taking solace in the helpfulness of Canadians now assisting the tens of thousands of forest fire evacuees.
Amany Darwish, president of The Canadian True Power organization in Fort McMurray, says she believes about six families of Syrian refugees fled safely but she's concerned bad memories are resurfacing.
Darwish says she is saddened the families may be terrified again, but she believes they will ultimately endure the disaster with the help of a supportive and loving community.
