Over the past four weeks, an incredible amount of work was done to protect Fort Chipewyan and support approximately 1000 community members who left and have now returned home.
On behalf of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation and the Municipality, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported the joint response to wildfire MWF025, also known as the Rocky River Fire.
From the firefighters and teams in Fort Chipewyan that led the efforts to hold the wildfire and protect the community, to the volunteers, airlines and countless organizations that stepped up to support community members. It is truly special how communities throughout the region come together to support one another.
Highlights from the joint response
- Approximately 1000 community members safely left and returned. Plus 158 pets.
- To date, over 500 firefighters and personnel, including some from the military, United States and Australia, have helped hold the wildfire with teams still on the ground managing the wildfire.
- Alberta Wildfire has used over 20 aircraft, helicopters, and numerous pieces of heavy equipment during the response. Thank you to Alberta Wildfire, the Province and many other agencies for working around-the-clock to fight the wildfire.
- Over 100 firefighters and volunteer firefighter personnel helped protect Fort Chipewyan by installing structure protection systems, removing vegetation and using FireSmart tactics around homes and buildings. Contractors also assisted with building firebreaks around the community.
- More than 20 fire departments and agencies from across Alberta supported the response, with over eight type-6 firetrucks, three pumper trucks, one tanker truck, five sprinkler trailers and numerous pieces of heavy equipment involved.
- 25 Fort Chipewyan community members underwent firefighting training. 8 were recertified as wildland firefighters; 17 received training from the Fort Chipewyan Fire Department and continue to support.
- Dozens of community members stayed behind to support the response and provide essential services.
- More than 200 people supported the response from emergency coordination centres in Fort Chipewyan, Fort McMurray and Edmonton. Thank you to the many provincial, federal and local agencies and groups involved.
- Over 100 flights from 4 airlines helped transport community members and pets, emergency personnel and supplies. Thank you to staff from the airports, McMurray Aviation and all airlines involved.
- Dozens of boats helped transport community members and supplies. Thank you to Fort McKay First Nation, Fort McKay Métis Nation and many volunteers that looked after boats and helped make supply runs by water.
- More than 350 volunteer positions were filled, with close to 2000 volunteer hours completed. Countless local businesses and organizations also stepped up to support Fort Chipewyan community members. Big thank you to the RMWB Emergency Social Services trained volunteers, Wood Buffalo Volunteers, and the Athabasca Tribal Council for coordinating many of the volunteers, activities and supports for community members.
- Together on the Snye daily gathering supported around 2000 guest visits, served over 2300 meals and provided hundreds of hours of activities.
- 10 hotels and numerous private residences opened their doors to evacuees, including the K9 Clubhouse who looked after pets with support from Bylaw Services and the SPCA. The SPCA also provided vaccines, treatments and spade and neuter many pets while in Fort McMurray.
- Thousands of items were donated, including clothes, toys, toiletries and dog food. All leftover donations have been given to local non-profit organizations that supported the response.
Upcoming Community Celebration
A community celebration in Fort Chipewyan is being planned to bring everyone together and recognize the efforts and support during the response by all groups, agencies and volunteers. More details will be shared shortly.
“ACFN Members are relieved to return home to Fort Chipewyan after this difficult experience. We are grateful to the entire Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo community for the incredible support and kindness we’ve received. We are also grateful for all those who contributed to the firefighting efforts, including the brave members of our community who remained behind to join the fight. We are proud of the community partnerships we’ve built and strengthened during this time as we worked together to protect our home. We look forward to a return to normalcy as we reunite in Fort Chipewyan as a strong, vibrant community!”
- Chief Allan Adam, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
“All the hard work will not be forgotten, and everyone did such an amazing job through this very difficult time. The collaboration between the three Nations, Alberta Forestry, RWMB, and ATC was the key in focusing on the fight to stop the Rocky River Fire, and simultaneously, provide comprehensive support services for all evacuees. On behalf of the Nation, Board and staff, thank you to all who helped with the fire and evacuation, thank you for your dedication, knowledge, and kindness. MERCI!”
- Acting President Judy Ann Cardinal, Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation
“Working together, we were dedicated to doing everything possible to protect Fort Chipewyan as the region came together to support Fort Chipewyan community members during their difficult time away from home. We are forever grateful to all the emergency responders, firefighters, staff, volunteers, people and organizations that stepped up in the face of this challenge, putting community and their neighbours ahead of themselves with strength, love, kindness and compassion. We are also deeply appreciative of the partnerships and friendships that sustained our collaborative response and strengthened our resolve, knowing that our work continues in building better relationships in the days ahead.”
- Mayor Sandy Bowman, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo