Evacuation orders cover the entire Summerland community, home to about 12,000 people, along with about 8,000 residents in and around Peachland.

Alberta Deploys Firefighters to Aid British Columbia Wildfire Efforts

Alberta has deployed a team of firefighters and equipment to British Columbia to assist in the efforts to curb ongoing wildfires. The move comes as thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes due to the rapidly spreading fires.

According to Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen, 186 firefighters were deployed to British Columbia over the weekend. An additional 40 firefighters are set to arrive on Tuesday, along with 45 support staff, including an incident management team that arrived on Monday.

“As the wildfire situation continues near Summerland and across British Columbia, Alberta stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our neighbors as they have for us in the past,” Minister Loewen said in a statement.

The province has also deployed 27 support staff, two air tankers, three helicopters, 100 pumps, and 3,060 lengths of hose to aid in the firefighting efforts.

The wildfires have prompted evacuation orders for the entire Summerland community, which is home to approximately 12,000 people, as well as around 8,000 residents in and around Peachland. The District of Summerland declared a state of emergency on Saturday, and British Columbia Premier David Eby declared a state of emergency on Saturday afternoon after more than 20,000 people were ordered to leave their homes.

The Bald Range wildfire, which is burning northwest of Summerland, has grown to 13,618.2 hectares as of Monday morning. The fire was first reported on Friday afternoon and remains out of control.

In addition to the deployment of firefighters and equipment, the wildfires have also had an impact on air quality in Alberta. Environment Canada issued a yellow air quality warning for Banff on Monday, warning of moderate air quality and advising individuals to limit their time outdoors. The air quality in parts of southern Alberta, including Calgary, Airdrie, Brooks, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer, is considered moderate.

People who are more susceptible to the effects of wildfire smoke, such as those aged 65 and older, pregnant individuals, infants, and young children, as well as those with existing illnesses or chronic health conditions, are advised to reduce strenuous outdoor activities and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms. Mild symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and mild cough, while more serious symptoms can include wheezing, chest pains, and severe cough.

Article and image source: edmontonjournal.com