The third of three platoons of firefighters from Mountain View County is expected to head to Fort McMurray to fight wildfires there today (Tuesday, May 10). They're expected to arrive home this Friday, May 13.
The first 13-member contingent of Mountain View firefighters – including some from Olds – arrived home early Saturday morning, May 7.
A second platoon, consisting of 21 fire department members, departed on Friday, May 6. They were expected to arrive home today.
Currently, the Olds Fire Department is looking at holding a press conference when the last platoon comes home, although the precise date of that news conference had not been determined at press time.
Olds fire Chief Lorne Thompson says it's too early for the Olds Fire Department to comment on the matter right now.
“Our priority at this time is our crews, both those in Fort McMurray and at home,” Thompson said Monday by email.
“(The) Olds Fire Department continues to be grateful and appreciative for all of the support and encouragement from community members,” a fire department news release says.
If you want to help the citizens of Fort McMurray please visit www.redcross.ca.
"Our priority at this time is our crews, both those in Fort McMurray and at home." OLDS FIRE CHIEF LORNE THOMPSON
