Update on the City of Calgary continuing support for the Jasper wildfire
The City of Calgary continues to offer support for the Jasper wildfire and last night Canada Task Force 2 deployed 19 personnel in support of the wildfires in Jasper at the request of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency and Alberta Wildfire.
“CAN-TF2 strength is their diversity and their experience in previous evacuations, wildfires and all different types of emergencies. Their resounding response to any emergency is always ‘how can I help’.,” says Chief Henry. “I’m extremely proud of them, their willingness to assist in any situation and the work they are preparing to do in Jasper. Within minutes of putting the call out, our CAN-TF2 members responded with no hesitation, and dropped everything to deploy and do what needed to be done.”
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 Jasper. As of July 25 at 7 a.m., 465 evacuees have registered in Calgary.
After making the decision to close the reception centre at Shouldice Arena yesterday at 5 p.m. due to the previous night’s experience of zero arrivals overnight, it quickly reopened to accommodate evacuees arriving and will remain open to assist evacuees.
“If you are a Jasper resident and you need accommodation, we know you are hurting right now. Please come down and we will help you feel at home,” said Chief Sue Henry, Calgary Emergency Management Agency.
In addition to Canada Task Force 2 supporting the local authorities with their expertise in emergency planning, CEMA will also be sending a Mobile Command Centre. The Mobile Command Centre is a mobile workspace to support CAN-TF2 or the local authorities with an additional coordination space.
While there is a brief reprieve from the heat today the smokey conditions continue. Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index indicates that Calgary is at moderate to high risk today. We recommend keeping your windows closed and limiting outdoor activities.
The City is offering its network of cooling spaces to get relief from the smoke. These spaces have additional conditioned and filtered air locations can be found at calgary.ca/heat.
We know this is a difficult time, 211 is available to offer mental health and wellness supports. It is available 24/7 by phone, text and chat, and offers free, confidential and multilingual assistance.
While Calgarians are generous and want to help, The City cannot accept donations. Please continue to check the province’s 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 centre in Calgary. We are not set up to take donations and our focus is on helping with temporary lodging.
For more information visit calgary.ca.
NOTE: The City cannot accommodate requests for media to go inside reception centres. To minimize the impact on already distressed evacuees, we would ask that you set up outside the reception centre. B-Roll opportunities for reception centre signage and parking signs will be available there.
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