Prince Edward Island forest firefighters are traveling to Alberta to assist with the Alberta wildfires, says Minister of Communities, Land and Environment Robert Mitchell.
“Seven forest firefighters from the Island will leave tomorrow as part of a team from Newfoundland that is heading west to assist with the wildfires that continue to rage in Alberta,” said Minister Mitchell. “It has been a devastating time for Alberta and we are pleased to be able to provide support from P.E.I. These individuals are trained forest firefighters that will be valuable assets to the firefighting efforts.”
Firefighters will learn of their specific location and role when they arrive in Alberta on Friday. All costs will be covered by the Government of Alberta as per the National Mutual Aid Resource Sharing Agreement.
All seven of the firefighters travelling to Alberta work under the division of Forests, Fish and Wildlife within the Department of Communities, Land and Environment. During their time in western Canada they will develop valuable skills and experience fighting forest fires.
In addition to the firefighters, an eighth staff member from the department will be deployed to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center (CIFFC) office in Winnipeg. While in Winnipeg this staff person will assume the role of International Liaison and co-ordinate resource exchanges with countries such as Australia, United States of America, Mexico and South Africa.
“I want to wish all staff persons a safe experience and thank them on behalf of all Islanders,” added Mitchell.