A Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) CH-147 Chinook helicopter delivered some 8,200 pounds of food, water, and other supplies to Fort McKay First Nation on Sunday as part of the military’s ongoing efforts to help victims of the wildfires raging in Fort McMurray.
The armed forces said this is the first time that a Chinook helicopter has been dispatched to a domestic humanitarian mission.
The Chinook is deployed under Operation LENTUS, the CAF’s contingency plan that outlines the joint response to provide support to provincial and territorial authorities in cases of major natural disasters.
The aircraft, from 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron at 4th Canadian Division Support Base Petawawa, joins four CH-146 Griffon helicopters and one CC-130J Hercules aircraft currently supporting relief efforts in the province.
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The CH-147F Chinook is an advanced, multi-mission, medium to heavy-lift helicopter. Its primary mission is the tactical transport of equipment and personnel during domestic or deployed operations.
“It brings me great pride to be a part of the first ever employment of the CH-147F Chinook in Canadian domestic humanitarian operations,” Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Kimpinski, Air Task Force Commander – Joint Task Force West, said in a statement.” The helicopter’s role is just another example of how Joint Task Force West is ready and able to help fellow Albertans affected by the wildfires.”
While the situation on the ground in Fort McMurray has improved, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said the area remains dangerous for non-first responders, according to news reports.
A “re-entry” team began assessing the damage on Monday morning and Notley has plans to meet with the executives of energy companies to discuss how the fire has impacted the industry.
The province’s response plan to the fire has entered its stabilization phase, according to Scott Long, executive director of the Emergency Management Agency of Alberta.