No one knows what caused Fort McMurray wildfire, so don’t point fingers

No one knows, of course, and nor does anyone know what caused the fire, either. But that hasn’t stopped too many people—on both sides of the ideological divide—from assigning blame.
Some of the devastation left behind by the Fort McMurray, Alta., wildfire, pictured May 4, 2016. The fire started on May 3, forcing 80,000 to flee the city. It destroyed 1,600 buildings, mostly homes. Alberta declared a state of emergency and the federal government has pledged all possible assistance.
TORONTO—A spark neglected makes a mighty fire. Robert Herrick, an American writer and essayist, said that. He was an interesting fellow—a novelist, a poet, a Harvard grad, a professor at MIT. Coincidentally, Herrick was also the governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands for a time. He was appointed t...

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.


Already a Subscriber?

Get Weekend Point of View Newsletter

A round up of the past week’s opinion writers and columnists on Saturdays and Sundays.


By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy

MORE Opinion

RELATED STORIES