A retired Olds firefighter is critical of how the federal and provincial governments as well as the Red Cross have dealt with wildfires in Fort McMurray and area.
Steve Jeges was a member of the Olds Fire Department for 11 years and the Carstairs Fire Department for two years.
When he was asked what he thought about the provincial government's response to the wildfires Jeges said, “not very happy. I think the government could have done a lot more.”
“I believe that our premier was offered some help from the bombers in B.C. I think she should have accepted the help,” he said.
A giant B.C. water bomber was offered, but the Alberta government reportedly said it wouldn't be able to utilize it because the giant bomber wouldn't be able to scoop up water from the nearest large lake.
Jeges is also disappointed that the federal government has refused offers from various countries to send help to battle the fires.
A vast array of countries around the world, including Russia, the U.S., Mexico, Australia, Taiwan and Israel, as well as the Palestinian Authority have all offered to help fight the Fort McMurray-area wildfire.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he appreciated the offers, but said there's enough capacity in Canada to do the job. He noted assistance has been offered from provinces across the country.
Jeges is critical of that stance.
“They think that we can get it done ourselves, but (I'm not so sure),” he said.
Jeges also doesn't think the Red Cross has been doing enough.
He noted he was up north himself.
“I was in Fort Saskatchewan and I was also at Wandering River. There's a camp where a lot of news reporters stay. I didn't see any Red Cross vests (there),” he said. “I think that they should be at these evacuation centres, helping out where they can.”
“So I'm a little upset with government agencies.”
Federal, provincial and Red Cross officials could not be reached for comment on Jeges' opinions at the time he was interviewed.
"I'm a little upset with government agencies."STEVE JEGESRETIRED FIREFIGHTER
