Cold Lake’s assistance in Fort McMurray continues

Staff from Cold Lake public works, Cold Lake Fire-Rescue and Cold Lake and District FCSS continue to help with the ongoing efforts in Fort McMurray.

“We are happy to provide assistance in any way we can,” Kevin Nagoya, Chief Administrative Officer, said. “Before reconstruction can truly begin, the urban centre of Fort McMurray will need a lot of work on critical infrastructure that most of us take for granted. At the same time, wildfires remain active in the region, so there is a wide range of work left to do.”

The City of Cold Lake continues to provide a two-person utility crew and vac-truck to assist with the rehabilitation of water and wastewater infrastructure. At the same time, a four-person wildfire crew and pumper truck has been rotating into the area to assist with ongoing firefighting efforts, and is expected back in Cold Lake by June 3.

Most recently, a senior staff member from Cold Lake and District FCSS has also been assigned to the Fort McMurray Emergency Operations Centre to assist in its operations.

“We’ve been asked to help in a number of ways – from having Fire-Rescue members battle hot spots; helping with the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, and providing relief to staff at the Emergency Operations Centre,” Nagoya said. “As an organization we’re proud to be able to assist and very proud that our staff have stepped up when called upon.”

Cold Lake Fire-Rescue crews were previously in the Fort McMurray helping to battle structure fires and wildfires that threatened the urban centre.

All assistance is being coordinated through the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre.

*Press Release from the City of Cold Lake