StorageMart, a Columbia, Mo.-based self-storage operator with more than 165 facilities in Canada and the United States, is offering 30 days of free storage to victims of the wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. The participating facilities are in Edmonton, which is about 270 miles from the blaze. They are:
- 8401 18 St. N.W.
- 10710 214 St. N.W.
- 13303 Fort Road N.W.
- 21508 115 Ave. N.W.
“Edmonton self-storage is a resource for those who need somewhere to store the belongings they have rescued from their homes,” said Cris Burnam, president. “Our staff will help people find the right storage unit for their belongings so they can move in quickly and spend time with family and friends, and deal with the wildfire’s effects.”
The fire, which began Tuesday, has led to the evacuation of more than 88,000 people, the largest to date in Alberta’s history. It has torched 328 square miles and at least 1,600 structures, according to several sources. The blaze spread quickly through the outskirts of Fort McMurray, an urban-service area in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. It’s in the middle of the Athabasca oil sands and surrounded by a boreal forest.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, however, record heat, dry conditions and heavy winds have helped the inferno spread quickly. Traveling has been difficult for those attempting to flee, and gasoline is no longer available in Fort McMurray, Grasslands or Wandering River, a source reported.
“We’re thankful to hear that there have been no fatalities nor serious injuries reported at this time,” Burnam said. “We’re grateful to the Canadian Red Cross for providing staff and volunteers to help with immediate needs, like food and shelter.”
Founded in 1999, StorageMart serves more than 75,000 self-storage customers. The company operates in Chinese, English, Punjabi, Quebecois French and Spanish.
