Military Deploys to Alberta to Aid in Wildfire Containment Efforts

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith meets with members of the military in Edmonton who are on stand-by to help with the wildfires before she gave an update on the situation in Alberta on May 8, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is moving into position to support Alberta’s response to unprecedented wildfires in the province.

Troops from the 3rd Battalion of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3PPCLI) and 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (1CER) are deploying in the next few days to Grande Prairie, Fox Creek, and Drayton Valley areas which have been hammered with out-of-control wildfires for more than a week, the government announced in a May 11 news release.

Army reserve soldiers from across the province will also deploy this week.

The military aid comes as Alberta expects a wave of hot weather which may increase the fire hazards.

Premier Danielle Smith said at a May 11 news conference that a “heat dome“ she characterized as an ”unusual weather event” is expected to begin on May 12 and continue until May 16. She said the province is preparing for additional fire activity, as troops will be moving into position to provide aid.

“Albertans will see this movement by vehicle on roads and in the air, as some forces and equipment will be moved by Royal Canadian Air Force fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters,” said the government.

The military will create bases of operations for the forces to help with fire mitigation efforts under the supervision of Alberta Wildfire officials.

“The capabilities the CAF can bring to support Alberta are firefighting support to aid in mop-up operations and basic firefighting duties. Airlift resources for increased mobility and logistical responsibilities, such as evacuating isolated communities, will also be provided,” said the news release.

Engineering support will be provided where required, incorporating heavy equipment resources, the province advised. It also said the CAF has been “working closely” with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency and “conducting significant planning and reconnaissance throughout Alberta to determine where they are most needed.”

The province’s Emergency Management Cabinet Committee has been meeting daily to respond to the wildfire situation.

As of press time on May 11, the province had 82 active wildfires, with 26 burning out of control, and 37 fully contained. The Slave Lake Forest area has so far sustained the most fire damage, with more than 158,000 hectares razed, followed by the Rocky Mountain House area with close to 98,000 hectares, and Edson with over 88,000 hectares.

Most of the out-of-control fires are in western areas of Alberta. There are additional fires outside the Forest Protection Area and the government is providing fire assistance to the agency responsible.

More assistance is coming. On May 11, it was announced that both the federal government and province will be part of a coordinated donation matching program with the Canadian Red Cross as part of a 2023 Alberta Fires Appeal.

“This means that every $1 donated will become $3 to support those affected by the wildfires,” said Smith at the news conference.