Firefighters return home, City prepares to send utility operators

Cold Lake Fire-Rescue members have all returned safely from fighting fires in the Fort McMurray area while some public works staff are on call to help with the city’s infrastructure.

“I’m happy to report that all our firefighters and equipment are back home safely from Fort McMurray,” said Fire Chief Jeff Fallow.

Cold Lake Fire-Rescue crews spent Tuesday evening getting the trucks thoroughly cleaned and back in service.

According to a press release by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, most of the fires have now been extinguished, and the wildfire is moving away from the urban service area.

The third crew that was sent out arrived back home on Tuesday evening. In total, the City sent 15 firefighters in three five-man crews, and had another 20 to 25 firefighters on standby if additional rotations were necessary. “I got a lot of positive feedback from other fire departments about our crews and our members’ work ethic,” said Fallow. “I’m very proud of every Fire-Rescue member who offered to help. Those who went represented the City of Cold Lake well.”

The City is currently on standby to send two utility operators and one vac-truck up to help start with repairs to Fort McMurray’s infrastructure. “There will likely be critical municipal infrastructure that needs to be rehabilitated and rebuilt before they can start to reoccupy homes,” said City of Cold Lake CAO Kevin Nagoya. “We’re ready to help out once we get the call.”

*Press Release from the City of Cold Lake