OTTAWA - Today, the Canadian Forces completed a 24-hour operation to evacuate the remaining residents of Wollaston Lake and Hatchet Lake in Northern Saskatchewan, after wildfires in the area were threatening their safety. This operation was undertaken at the request of the Government of Saskatchewan.
“The men and women of the Canadian Forces are committed to assisting Canadians whenever and wherever disaster strikes," said Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. "I'm proud that the people of Wollaston Lake and Hatchet Lake were evacuated in a timely and safe manner thanks to the quick actions of the Canadian Forces."
“Canadians can count on our government to respond swiftly when disaster strikes” said Minister Toews. “We are standing by to provide any additional emergency assistance that is requested by the provincial government.”
On June 1, Lieutenant-General Walter Semianiw, Commander of Canada Command, quickly deployed four CC-130 Hercules aircraft and four CH-146 Griffon helicopters in response to the threat to life emergency. These aircraft and their crews assisted in the evacuation of approximately 540 residents out of the danger zone. Helicopters took residents to Points North overnight where Hercules aircraft were standing by this morning to fly them to Saskatoon. Civil authorities have set up facilities to host them in Saskatoon.
“The Canadian Forces is always ready to provide its unique capabilities in service of our fellow Canadians in their times of need. said Lieutenant-General Semianiw, “I am proud of the speed and efficiency displayed by all personnel involved in this important mission.”
“It was an honour to be part of this coordinated response that came together so quickly to help residents in Northern Saskatchewan,” said Major-General Yvan Blondin, Commander 1 Canadian Air Division and the Canadian NORAD Region. “This rapid response is a testament to the outstanding professionalism of Canadian Forces personnel and their ability to respond in times of need.”
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Notes to editor / news director: Imagery of this evacuation operation, the Whole-of-Government response to wildfires in Wollaston Lake, can be found at:
www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca
Contact information:
1-866-377-0811/613-996-2353
Website:
www.forces.gc.ca
Background
Canadian Forces assets deployed during this operation included:
• Approximately 52 Canadian Forces personnel, primarily ground and air crews;
• Two CC-130 Hercules from 8 Wing Trenton (424 and 426 Squadrons);
• One CC-130J Hercules from 8 Wing Trenton (436 Squadron);
• One CC-130 Hercules from 17 Wing Winnipeg (435 Squadron);
• Three CH-146 Griffon helicopters from 408 Squadron in Edmonton; and
• One CH-146 Griffon helicopter from 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta (417 Squadron).
