More than 1,500 people have registered at the Edmonton reception centre as of Sunday afternoon after fleeing their homes and communities due to wildfire risk.
Most people are evacuees from Drayton Valley and Brazeau County seeking a place to stay, food, clothing, medical services and animal care.
Many supports are available to people directly at the reception centre. The Canadian Red Cross and insurance companies are on site, and the Alberta Health Service is there to offer mental health services, as well as a prescribing pharmacist for anyone who needs additional medication.
Pets have been a big concern for many residents having to leave their homes and about 1,300 pets have been registered at the reception centre — almost a one-to-one ratio to humans, according to the city, whose Animal Care and Control Centre is providing on site, temporary daytime care for pets.
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Pet supplies, including food, are available to be picked up …