Mishall RehmanAbove images by Master Sailor Dan Bard, Directorate Army Public Affairs. Images courtesy of the CAF.
For a few short weeks this summer, members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) answered the call of duty and joined the effort in combating wildfires in Alberta.
The call for help came from the Province of Alberta on July 25 as wildfires devastated the beautiful and popular tourist destination of Jasper. The park was closed, and the town was evacuated.
Province Requested Help
After the province requested help and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau authorized the CAF to assist, military members immediately deployed to the region to assist in the ongoing situation that “ravaged” much of the town, according to Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland.
“In response to the Request for Assistance (RFA) received from the Province of Alberta on July 25, 2024, and the subsequent RFA received from Parks Canada on July 25, 2024, the CAF began deploying an Immediate Response Unit (IRU) based in Shilo, Manitoba, to Edmonton, Alberta, where they joined CAF personnel from Joint Task Force West (JTFW) to assist the Province of Alberta and Parks Canada in their wildfire response,” stated LCdr/Capc Kelly Boyden, Senior Public Affairs Officer Continental Operations.
Units Deployed
The initial deployment to Alberta consisted of Battalions such as the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2 PPCLI). When the province called for national assistance, there were a total of 176 wildfires burning. This number didn’t account for two wildfires that threatened Jasper National Park.
2 PPCLI remained in the region for a total of eight days and was soon relieved by 41 Canadian Brigade Group (41 CBG) on Aug. 2.
“The activation and rapid deployment of an Army Reserve Territorial Battalion Group (TBG) in a timely manner is a critical force-multiplier, and led to 2 PPCLI only being employed for a total of eight days in support of Op LENTUS 24-2. This permitted 2 PPCLI to continue preparations for their upcoming deployment to Latvia,” stated Boyden.
Military Provided Type III Firefighters
An Army Reserve Formation of the 3rd Canadian Division, 41 CBG, remained on hand to assist with wildfires until Aug. 8, when the CAF deemed the situation to be under control and under provincial capabilities.
During its deployment, Canada’s military provided Type III firefighters alongside air support to move firefighters, equipment and “personnel who performed limited general duties support to the Hinton Firehall,” according to Boyden. Strategic air lift support was on hand but was not eventually needed.
An exact number of CAF members deployed has not been released by the CAF since “the size structure, and capability of CAF support was tailored to the specific needs of the province-led emergency response,” explained Boyden.
Operation LENTUS
CAF members deployed to Jasper and beyond to assist in wildfire relief deployed under the umbrella of Operation LENTUS. Operation LENTUS is the CAF’s umbrella term for domestic operations that are natural disasters.
“Provincial and territorial authorities are the first to respond when a major natural disaster occurs in Canada. If an emergency requires more resources than the affected province has available, they may ask the federal government for additional resources, which can include Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel, equipment, and facilities when required and available. When the CAF responds to such a crisis, it is known as Operation LENTUS,” said Boyden.
The primary mission of CAF members deployed on Operation LENTUS is to support provincial and local authorities while also ensuring the safety of Canadians.
