In a statement posted on its website Thursday, the Alberta government announced that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) had begun moving to support Alberta “as the province battles unprecedented wildfires.”
Troops from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry (3PPCLI) and the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment (1CER) are moving to establish bases of operations in the province, the statement said, adding that the soldiers Army Reserves drawn from across Alberta will be deployed this week. . Over the next few days, these units will be deployed to the Grande Prairie, Fox Creek and Drayton Valley areas, according to the release.
“Albertans will see this movement of vehicles on the roads and in the air, as some forces and equipment will be moved by Royal Canadian Air Force fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters,” the Alberta government said in the statement .
“This movement and the establishment of these positions will create bases of operations for forces to conduct fire mitigation efforts under the supervision of Alberta Wildfire personnel,” he added.
“Capabilities that the CAF can bring to support Alberta are firefighting support to assist in cleanup operations and basic firefighting tasks. Airlift resources will also be provided to increase mobility and responsibilities logistics, such as the evacuation of isolated communities. Engineering support will be provided where necessary, bringing in heavy equipment resources,” he continued.
In the statement, the Alberta government emphasized that the CAF has been working closely with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency and said it has conducted “significant” planning and reconnaissance across Alberta to determine where they are most needed.
“The Alberta Emergency Management Cabinet Committee continues to meet regularly to respond to the current wildfire situation across the province,” the statement said.
“Cabinet continues to have decision-making capabilities and will take decisions as necessary to deal with this emergency,” he added.
The latest wildfire update on the Alberta government site at the time of writing, which was published on May 11 at 5:00 p.m. local time, indicated that there were 77 active fires in Alberta Forest Protection Area. Of those, 24 were classified as out of control, 36 were held back and not expected to grow beyond expected limits, and 17 were under control, the update noted.
Several Canadian energy companies have responded to the wildfiresincluding Canadian Natural Resources Limited, TC Energy, Cenovus Energy, Crescent Point Energy, Vermilion Energy, Pembina Pipeline Corporation and Pipestone Energy Corp.
Federal Assistance
On May 11, the Government of Canada announced in a statement posted on its website that Bill Blair, the Chair of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness, had approved a request federal assistance from the province of Alberta.
In response to the request, Anita Anand, the Minister of National Defence, authorized the CAF to provide personnel and resources to assist and enable firefighting, airlift resources for mobility and logistics tasks, and support of ‘engineering, according to the statement.
CAF resources will be provided for an initial two-week period, with a possible one-week extension following a joint assessment of the situation to determine whether support is still needed, the Government of Canada statement said. In addition to the deployment of the CAF, the federal government also provides support through a number of agencies, including Public Services and Procurement Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Employment and Social Development Canada, and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Canada, according to the release. pointed out.
“The Government of Canada will always be there to help in times of need,” Blair said in a government statement.
“As extreme wildfires continue in Alberta, we are committed to helping keep residents safe across the province. I would like to thank emergency management officials from all orders of government and first responders, especially to the firefighting personnel on the ground and in the air, for their tireless efforts,” Blair added.
Anand said, “Our Canadian Armed Forces have always answered the call to service to help their fellow Canadians in times of need.”
“Whether during wildfires, floods or other crises, our people in uniform have shown exceptional dedication to supporting their fellow citizens. I thank all personnel involved in this effort for their leadership and contributions to Canada,” he added Anand.
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