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Alberta RCMP heading to B.C. to assist with the fire response

Alberta RCMP are throwing their hat into the fray to help their B.C. counterparts with the wildfires
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This map shows the location of numerous small fires sparked by lightning on July 10. BC Wildfire image

There are 40 Alberta RCMP Mounties heading to British Columbia to help their counterparts.

A press release from the province states that the officers, members of the Special Tactical Operations unit, will assist the B.C. Mounties with the emergency response.

Premier Rachel Notley stated the province is here to help its neighbours. “We want British Columbians to know that Alberta is here to help.”

“Many provinces, including British Columbia, stepped up to help us last year as we battled the Fort McMurray wildfire and we want to return the favour,” she added.

With the size of the large size of the wildfires, resources are key to a successful return to stability, explained Kathleen Ganley, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.

“The RCMP officers who are deploying to B.C. will provide relief and support to their colleagues. We thank all first responders for their service to protect all Canadians.”

From the RCMP perspective, the temporary deployment is possible using provincial policing agreements.

“We are proud to stand beside our colleagues in British Columbia as they did in our time of need last year during the Fort McMurray wildfires,” states Marlin Degrand, assistant commissioner, Alberta RCMP Criminal Operations in the release.

“This is one of the strengths of the RCMP as the national police force – to mobilize resources where and when needed in our country.”