Beacon Hill

Every day since a wildfire began menacing the city of Fort McMurray, Alta., grimy, exhausted firefighters have been spilling of helicopters at the end of another one of the toughest shifts around.

Huge soaker hoses are being used to help protect buildings, homes and vital routes into and out of the Alberta city against wildfire flames that have forced the evacuation of four neighbourhoods.

Between May and December of last year, Chris Flett went through two life-changing events: his house burned down and he won the lottery.