The twenty-one-person contingent arrived in Edmonton, Alberta at 11:30pm on Tuesday, 30th July. On Wednesday they received an in-country briefing before visiting the provincial fire centre warehouse to collect their personal kit. The team also visited the local Walmart and Cabalas for in-country essentials before having a relaxing rest of the day.
This was a much-needed rest before the team began the six-hour drive north to Peace River where a briefing was held regarding the fire our kiwi crews would be working on. Following this, the team travelled a further 150kms west to Worsley which has a population of 100.
The crews are located in an open camp with each person having their own room and a bathroom shared between two. Anytime you are not in tents it is considered a luxury!
Bravo crew have been working on three fires since arriving in Alberta. One is located 23kms north of Worsley which is approximately 12000ha, a second fire 54km to the west of 80ha, and a third straddling the border with British Columbia which is 15 ha.
With a hot, dry weekend two of the crews were placed on standby for immediate response to any new fire starts, which thankfully did not occur.
On Sunday, with all three fires classed as under control the entire task force was redeployed to an out of control 160ha fire near Grande Prairie. The crews will continue to travel to, and work on this fire until their R&R period on Wednesday.
Our Agency Representative Jason, is acting as group support to ensure equipment and fireline supplies are available for the team. This mahi (work) involves a three hour return trip to Peace River fire warehouse to retrieve hoses, pumps and other supplies. Jason is also supporting two Australian single resources working at Grande Prairie. He has daily meetings with the other Australasian AREPs to ensure our two country’s contingents are being looked after.
All of Bravo contingent are operating at a high level and have received high praise from the local Incident Controller and fire centre operations manager in Alberta.