Disaster response team returns to Fort McMurray to reduce wildfire risk

A disaster response team that deployed to Fort McMurray after the Horse River Wildfire, is back almost eight years later to help reduce the wildfire risk to the area.

Team Rubicon is a non-profit multinational organization that includes veterans, first responders and emergency management members who volunteer their time and skills to communities affected by disasters.

The first major deployment of Canada’s Team Rubicon was after the 2016 wildfire. Team members – called Greyshirts - sifted through burned properties and trained other local volunteers to recover valuables.

FireSmart project underway

The team is now taking on a major FireSmart project in the Thickwood area. Skilled members of Team Rubicon began work today on Monday April 28 in the Timberline neighborhood to thin and prune trees and clean out debris in high-hazard forested areas.

Residents on Timberline Drive will see increased activity for at least the next two weeks. All work will be completed by Team Rubicon crews working with chainsaws and hand tools.

The team will wrap up work by May 9 before moving on to other projects in northern Alberta. Firewood may be available to the public as the project progresses.

Community offers major support to team

This project is being funded through the Canadian Red Cross and is receiving significant support from community partners, including Keyano College, the Royal Canadian Legion and Acden Environmental Ltd.

“We’re very appreciative of everyone’s involvement in supporting this project – from meals, to lodging, and even project support – the community is making this possible,” said FireSmart Program Manager Chris Pottie. “This is important work and this project, combined with other FireSmart projects and programs, will improve the area’s resilience to wildfire.”

To learn more about Team Rubicon, visit teamrubicon.ca