A small group of concerned animal lovers is trying to work with authorities in Fort McMurray, Alta., to rescue pets from abandoned homes.
Members of the group say they鈥檙e concerned about animals left behind when residents were forced to flee the wildfire.
Sam Sansalone says that on Wednesday and Thursday, a group called Fort Mac Fire - Pet Rescue was able to rescue about 230 pets before being kicked out.
A number of animal protection groups are making efforts to rescue the animals, including the Edmonton SPCA and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
But Sansalone says they were told they couldn鈥檛 help official efforts because police were concerned people may have been looting the houses while claiming to rescue the pets.
Sansalone says he understands their concern, but that official resources are spread too thin, and civilians should be allowed to help. He says the group has received more than 4,000 emails since forming on Wednesday, most of which came from Fort McMurray evacuees who want their pets to be rescued.
Sansalone says the group is now trying to work with police. He says he spoke with a staff sergeant with the Edmonton RCMP who said that members of the group could be approved by authorities on the scene to pass roadblocks and enter houses.
A group of about 15 people is on its way to Fort McMurray, and is expecting to arrive early Sunday afternoon.
