The government of Canada has deployed military to help combat wildfires that have forced thousands of citizens to leave their homes and closed down oil and gas operations in Alberta. The decision to deploy the armed forces was made after the government approved Alberta’s request for help in combating the over 100 wildfires that erupted in the province.
The deployment was announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who stated that they would “provide firefighting support and airlift resources, assist with the evacuation of isolated communities, and help keep people safe.”
Close to 200 troops have already been deployed across Alberta with another 100 set to join during the weekend. After establishing bases of operations, the troops will move to the Grande Prairie, Fox Creek, and Drayton Valley.
The wildfires have affected Alberta’s oil and gas industry, with many producers closing down operations and evacuating personnel. Earlier this week, oil producers shut in no fewer than 319,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, equivalent to 3.7% of Canada’s production. Also, over 30,000 people were forced to flee their homes.
Though cooler temperatures and scattered drizzles have offered firefighters some relief, authorities have warned residents not to let down their guard as the wildfires keep posing a significant threat. Alberta’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis, said “people shouldn’t take this as permission to let their guard down.”
Christie Tucker, Information Unit Manager of Alberta Wildfire, added that “a few scattered showers is not going to reduce the number of wildfires significantly in the province. You’re looking at months as far as extinguishing these wildfires.”
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