A total of 65 CAF personnel—consisting of aircrew, aircraft maintainers, air movements personnel, liaison officers, and other support staff—were deployed to Fort McMurray. DND Photo


Canadian military aircraft will begin returning to their home bases after provincial authorities in Alberta assessed that they no longer required Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) air assets to support provincial resources in responding to the wildfires in Fort McMurray.

“The Canadian Armed Forces responded swiftly to the call for assistance from the Province of Alberta, providing professional and capable support when Albertans needed it most,” said Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan on May 12. “I am extremely proud of our military’s contribution in supporting Albertans, first responders and the government of Alberta.”

A CC-130J Hercules aircraft from 436 Transport Squadron, 8 Wing Trenton, Ont., transports firefighters from Edmonton, Yellowhead, Hinton and Coledale to relieve the firefighters on location in Fort McMurray, Alta. DND Photo


CAF assets and personnel currently in Alberta will begin repositioning to allow for ongoing support to the province if required. Joint Task Force West continues to maintain an immediate response unit of 350 people on heightened readiness in order to support domestic operations, in addition to air assets that will be on standby in Edmonton.

“We are very proud of what our personnel have accomplished over the past nine days,” said BGen Wayne Eyre, commander, Joint Task Force West. “As our first priority, we stand ready to protect our fellow Canadians here at home in their time of need.”