More than 2,400 people have come to Calgary, fleeing the fires in the Northwest Territories, and the City of Calgary is now also sending firefighting aid.
As of Aug. 21, 2,449 evacuees have registered in Calgary, including 288 seniors, 521 children and 85 pets. More than 1,150 hotel rooms at 37 hotels are also being used to house those finding refuge in the city.
The City of Calgary said Monday they have the capacity to help up to 5,000 people.
“As the circumstance develops, supports and accommodation will continue to be made available for evacuees through the end of the month, and evaluated as needed in an ongoing capacity,” read a media statement from the Calgary Emergency Management Agency.
Anyone coming to Calgary is still being asked to register at the Westin Calgary Airport Hotel at 671 Aero Drive NE between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. to access support, the city said.
City deploys fire equipment
Eighteen personnel from the Canada Task Force 2, based in Calgary, are now in Yellowknife supporting firefighting efforts. Over the weekend, that unit added eight people.
The Calgary Fire Department is also lending its support with urban and structural firefighting in the area. On Monday, 13 members of the Calgary Fire Department took a charter flight to Yellowknife. Of that group, there are eight firefighters, two captains, two District Chiefs and an apparatus technician.
They will be met by Calgary Fire Department equipment that’s being transported by flatbed truck to Yellowknife. They are sending two type-one engines, a District Chief vehicle and a mechanical support vehicle.
The City is also reminding people to check with the NWT and with local campaigns to find a way to donate to help.
“Please do not bring any donations to the reception centres in Calgary. We are not set up to take donations and get them to those who could benefit,” the City said.
More wildfire information can be found on the City of Calgary website.
