Police and at least one firefighter from the area have been dispatched to protect and help save what's left of Slave Lake after wildfires ravaged the area last week.
Joshua Braun, 24, of Didsbury, was one of about 100 Calgary firefighters sent to Slave Lake to help with fire suppression and to provide support.
Braun's mother, Luella, got a phone call Monday from her son telling her he'd be gone for four or five days, at least.
“It is an honour to know your child has been chosen to go and do something and help in a situation that we can't even begin to comprehend,” she said of the news. Braun joined the Calgary Fire Department in February 2010 after getting encouragement from many different people in Didsbury, she said. “But I mean, hey – you're a little bit nervous. But… I know the Calgary Fire Department wouldn't have chosen him if they didn't think he could handle it. So we are proud of him.”
She hasn't been able to have much contact with Joshua but texted him last Tuesday night. He said it “was a sight to see” and really opened his eyes to the devastation that can happen so quickly.
Strong dry winds gusting to 70 kilometres an hour, as well as a lack of precipitation created extreme fire conditions over most of the northern half of the province, fire officials said May 15.
Sixty-eight new wildfires started within 24 hours and by Sunday evening Slave Lake issued a mandatory evacuation for all residents after wind-driven wildfires came through town destroying one third of the homes.
As of Wednesday afternoon, provincewide, Alberta has deployed approximately 1,000 firefighters, including 120 who arrived Monday from British Columbia. As well, 124 helicopters, and 20 air tankers have been deployed.
The RCMP has also sent roughly 100 RCMP members and Alberta Sheriffs, including a member from the Didsbury detachment.
The resources presently in the Slave Lake area was increased in order to provide 24 hours patrols and security within the townsite and surrounding area, as well as provide perimeter control on the highways leading into the community.
The name of the member is being withheld to protect any family members that may be in the Didsbury area.
Jacobson doesn't know how long the Didsbury member will be in the area but said he left Sunday.
“This member is part of the Special Tactic Operations. So they're called when any major incident occurs,” explained Sergeant Jeff Jacobson. “This particular member has been tasked with door knocks to confirm people have been vacated as well as manning road blocks to make sure people don't return and to prevent looters from coming back.”
