Update 4: Calgary continues supporting Northwest Territories wildfire evacuees
The City of Calgary continues working with partners to support wildfire evacuees to provide access to accommodations and other supports for people and pets evacuating from Yellowknife.
UPDATED NUMBERS AND CAPACITY
As of Aug. 21, 2,449 evacuees have registered in Calgary. This includes 288 seniors or elders (age 65 plus), 521 children (under 18) and 85 pets. At present, the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) has provided 1,153 hotel rooms for evacuees at 37 hotels, however this number is quickly evolving as evacuees continue to arrive at the reception centre via vehicle. The City has capacity to help as many as 5,000 people find shelter and additional supports as the firefight in the north continues.
All evacuees are encouraged to register at the Westin Calgary Airport Hotel at 671 Aero Drive N.E. between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. in order to access accommodations and other supports, like Transit passes. The reception centre located at the Calgary International Airport is now closed, as no further evacuees are expected to arrive by air. If additional flights are scheduled, we may reopen the centre, as required.
As the circumstance develops, supports and accommodation will continue to be made available for evacuees through the end of the month, and evaluated as needed in an ongoing capacity.
DEPLOYMENT
Canada Task Force 2
Canada Task Force 2 deployed a second team of eight personnel to support the wildfire efforts in Yellowknife on the morning of Sunday, Aug. 20. In total, 18 personnel are now deployed from the team.
Canada Task Force 2 is an all-hazards disaster response team. It is based out of Calgary and dedicated to emergency response, incident management, and urban search and rescue capabilities. The team is a partnership between The City of Calgary, The Province of Alberta, and the Government of Canada.
Calgary Fire Department
At the request of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) deployed four apparatus; including two type one engines, a District Chief vehicle and a mechanical support vehicle, on flatbeds to Yellowknife on Sunday, Aug. 20.
On the morning of Aug. 21, 13 members of the Calgary Fire Department were deployed to Yellowknife by charter. The team included eight firefighters, two captains, two District Chiefs and an apparatus technician. The team will be tasked with urban/structural firefighting duties while deployed.
DONATION INFORMATION
We appreciate the generosity of Calgarians who want to help by providing services or donations. The City of Calgary continues to coordinate with partners to provide services for evacuees through the reception centre and cannot verify services outside of those directly offered or partnered with The City. We ask evacuees to first check with and register with The City of Calgary for supports, as we are coordinating with both the Province of Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
We ask that Calgarians continue to check the Government of Northwest Territories website for recommended organizations to donate to or find a local campaign that you would like to support. Please do not bring any donations to the reception centres in Calgary. We are not set up to take donations and get them to those who could benefit.
Wildfire evacuees from Northwest Territories who need to evacuate, need to be prepared to evacuate, or have already evacuated, are encouraged to register with the Government of Northwest Territories on their website.
The City of Calgary recognizes and appreciates the many public service employees, agencies and partners who have urgently coordinated to support the wildfire evacuees. The City of Calgary uses its talent and expertise to support other jurisdictions in times of need.
Our thoughts continue to be with the people of Northwest Territories.
More information for wildfire evacuees can be found at calgary.ca/wildfires.