We’re Alberta Strong
On May 1, 2016, a wildfire began southwest of Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. On May 3, it swept through the community, forcing the largest wildfire evacuation in Alberta’s history. Personnel from the Canadian military, Royal Canadian Mounted police, as well as firefighting forces from Alberta, other Canadian provincial agencies, and other international agencies responded to the wildfire. Aid for evacuees was provided by various governments and via donations through the Canadian Red Cross and other local and national charitable organizations.
After sweeping through Fort McMurray, the wildfire destroyed approximately 2,400 homes and buildings. Another 2,000 residents in three communities were displaced after their homes were declared unsafe for reoccupation due to contamination. It continued to spread across northern Alberta and into Saskatchewan, consuming forested areas and impacting Athabasca oil sands operations. It is the costliest disaster in Canadian history.
When the devastation began in Ft McMurray in the summer of 2016, we did not hesitate to deploy and assist immediately. Restoring Cell Coverage was a tier-one priority for local first responders and WesTower was proud to facilitate and restore communication to the area.
Our Emergency Response Division is second to none Nationally, we stand ready to deploy.