Canada's 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire evacuation: experiences of the Muslim community

Abstract

This study explores issues faced by the largest visible minority group impacted by the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire evacuation - the Muslim community. Through qualitative methods and deep analysis of data gathered, challenges and opportunities that are relevant both for improving emergency preparedness within the Muslim community, and for improving the provision of emergency social services at large, are discussed. The overall goal of this study is to give voice to the experiences of the Muslim community, and to highlight specific accommodations that could have been beneficial. While in recent years, research efforts have been undertaken to better improve the needs of First Nations and Indigenous groups in Canada during wildfire disasters, this work is a starting point for considering other portions of Canada's diverse communities.