County Fort McMurray deployment.

As of May 10, 2016 the Yellowhead County Fire Department (YCFD) currently has six firefighters with two units engaged in on-the-ground fire operations in Fort McMurray. These firefighters are split between Engine 5 with a crew of four and the Incident Support Unit with a crew of two. The two crews are working with firefighters from across the province. Up to this date there have been a total of eighteen Yellowhead County firefighters deployed to Fort McMurray.

The devastation within the city creates a work environment that is potentially dangerous and stressful for the on-scene emergency responders. The work is hazardous and difficult and requires significant teamwork and organization. Shift rotations have been scheduled to ensure the safety and wellness of on-scene personnel. YCFD firefighters each work for a maximum of 72 hours per rotation as the operational tempo is very high and crews are working with minimal breaks over their three day shift. YCFD have now completed its third crew change.

Firefighting crews are deployed within the city in task groups with equipment and crews of various types and capabilities from all over Alberta. Engine 5 has been operating throughout the city fighting structure fires and protecting residential and commercial areas from the approaching wildfire.

YCFD Officers have been employed in key roles within the incident command structure. Our captains have been tasked in the staging area to organize crews and delegate assignments. YCFD Deputy Chiefs have been working in the North Sector Command Post directing fire operations within the north half of the city since their arrival on the fourth of May.

“Yellowhead County will continue to support the firefighting efforts and other disaster assistance requests from Fort McMurray while ensuring that there is adequate staffing within the County’s own region to respond in an effective manner to any potential incidents locally,” says Yellowhead County Director of Protective Services Albert Bahri. “The thoughts of Yellowhead County Council, staff, firefighters, and residents continue to be with all the displaced residents and the emergency response crews operating in Fort McMurray.”