The final deployment of Edmonton Fire Rescue Services firefighters who volunteered to help out in Fort McMurray returned home Monday night to a welcome from the top bosses themselves.
City of Edmonton Fire Chief Ken Block and District Chief Ron Sawchuk greeted the 19 men and women, who were the ninth deployment sent north over the past month. Each deployment was made up of firefighters who were on their days off.
“I’m so proud of the men and women of Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, they never cease to amaze me,” said Block, who said the crews made a huge difference.
“They took time away from their family and their obligations because of that sense of duty to help out a city that was in tremendous turmoil and tremendous trouble.”
The firefighters from Edmonton helped the local crews in Fort McMurray with getting the city read for re-entry and helping with that transition. That included helping handle the influx of 911 calls from people reporting hot spots.
“That would make anybody nervous after what they went through,” explained Sawchuk.
“So we took the majority of those calls and the rest of the Fort McMurray firefighters responded to their usual fire calls and medical aids. We assisted in any way we could.”
Sawchuk said helping out is something the crews will remember fondly.
“It’s an experience of their careers. A lot of them are young firefighters, it’ll be something they’ll always remember on their careers. I know for myself, it’ll be something I remember. I was one of the first groups to go up on Day 1, and this is my second time out — and I’m glad to see it’s over,” Sawchuk said.
Both chiefs said Edmonton’s contributions have been praised by fire crews in Fort McMurray.
READ MORE: Fort McMurray wildfire: Blaze now 70% contained, Suncor to ramp up production
Along with the firefighters, Edmonton Fire Rescue (EFR) sent four firetrucks and one service vehicle. EFR said there will be no further deployments to aid efforts in Wood Buffalo.
Watch Below: A University of Alberta team is studying the effects of all that smoke firefighters have been exposed to while battling that massive blaze in Fort McMurray. The team has a mobile lab they’re able to take to local fire stations so when it happened to arrive on the first day of the wildfire in Fort McMurray, they knew how to put it to good use. Su-Ling Goh reports.
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