Ottawa extends deployment of Armed Forces in Alberta
Posted May 27, 2023 3:38 pm.
The federal government is extending the deployment of Canadian Armed Forces in Alberta to help the province battle the dozens of remaining active wildfires.
Federal Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair says the government approved the extension Saturday.
“The federal government will continue to be there to support the provincial response to the wildfires and keep Albertans safe,” Blair tweeted.
About 300 members of the Canadian Armed Forces were deployed in mid-May to help with the blazes in key areas like Grande Prairie, Fox Creek, Drayton Valley and Slave Lake. The province said an additional 100 Canadian Armed Forces arrived May 22.
They were tasked with performing “mop-up operations” and “basic firefighting duties” like extinguishing hot spots in communities at risk.
“We will always do whatever it takes to support Canadians in need,” tweeted Defence Minister Anita Anand. “Our @CanadianForces will continue to assist the people of Alberta in the response to the devastating wildfires in the province. I thank all CAF members involved in this operation for their service and dedication.”
We will always do whatever it takes to support Canadians in need. Our @CanadianForces will continue to assist the people of Alberta in the response to the devastating wildfires in the province.
I thank all CAF members involved in this operation for their service and dedication. https://t.co/BOJJgfGLJF
— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) May 27, 2023
At a brief update on the province’s wildfire situation Saturday, the executive director of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency thanked the CAF members for their help.
READ MORE: Fire bans lifted in most areas of Alberta amid wildfires
“They will continue to support the efforts that we’re having here across Alberta, for the wildfires, and also just to ensure too that those who are on the front lines, that they get a rest,” said Cyndee Evans. “And it’s greatly appreciated, for the efforts that the Canadian Armed Forces are having and their presence here.”
The wildfires have forced thousands of Albertans to flee their homes and rural properties this month.
Forty-nine wildfires were active as of Saturday afternoon, with 14 deemed out of control. Alberta is still in a provincial state of emergency.
