OLDS — Three of the approximately four Olds firefighters who went up north to fight wildfires were expected back in town Monday, according Brent Williams, the Town of Olds' chief administrative officer.
On May 8, Williams told town council that one firefighter, deputy fire chief Jason Kjorsvik, was asked to remain behind to serve as a section commander “as he was one of the first boots on the ground there.”
"He was requested by the … forestry folks to stay behind and help manage that and we’re happy to provide that,” Williams said.
“They did a great job in difficult circumstances, as some of the pictures and videos noted,” he added.
“Rain came through for everyone up there so it looks like fire crews are getting in front of that blaze.
“Kudos to the Olds Fire Department, they do us proud.”
Coun. Wanda Blatz also congratulated the firefighters who went up to fight the fires, thereby providing “mutual aid to our neighbours to the north.”
“I know it’s been a very scary time for all of them and I think council should extend their thoughts to those people within the Drayton Valley, Edson area, Brazeau County, that have been displaced,” Blatz said.
"Hopefully we will get some rain and they will be able to return to their homes as soon as possible."
Mayor Judy Dahl echoed that sentiment.
"Yes, on behalf of our community, our thoughts are with all of those people at this point. Thank you for sharing that,” she said.
Coun. James Cummings noted the provincial government declared a state of emergency several days ago, due to the fact that more than 100 wildfires were burning throughout Alberta.
“Would it be normal for our fire department then to recover funds, the cost of our fire department going to this fire, forest fire problem? Or is there another mechanism set up for that process,” he asked.
“Yes, cost recovery is part of it. It’s based on vehicle apparatuses and supplies mostly,” Williams said.
“Who is going to pay that I’m not sure, given that the state of emergency occurred after our deployment.”
Williams noted that local states of emergency can be declared.
“It’s council’s respective jurisdiction to declare those, but there is always a cost recovery.”
