EDS Teams Serve on the Front Lines of Alberta Wildfires

Over the past week, fast-moving wildfires have been active in Jasper, Alta., and its surrounding areas, causing heavy damage and forcing more than 25,000 people to evacuate.

Since July 23, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) teams across the Army’s Prairies and Northern Territories Division, have been actively serving the communities affected by providing three meals a day, snacks, drinks and emotional and spiritual support.

“They are feeding not only the evacuees but also firefighters, RCMP and all the first responders,” says Dan Millar, assistant territorial director for EDS.

EDS teams are currently on scene in the towns of Jasper and Hinton. In Jasper, they are supporting up to 500 firefighters, and in Hinton they have supplied 350 meals to first responders.

EDS was initially present in High Level, Alta. However, they left on July 26 as their services were no longer needed. While in High Level, The Salvation Army provided meals to 600 evacuees from the Little Red River Cree Nation.

“They are feeding not only the evacuees but also firefighters, RCMP and all the first responders.”

“People are very thankful for the EDS teams being there, helping and supporting them,” Dan adds.

Due to the nature of this disaster, there has been an emphasis on providing emotional support to everyone involved in the evacuation and relief efforts.

“All of our specialists are trained in both emotional and spiritual care and food safety. This means walking beside the people who are upset because they had to be evacuated. It’s also not only the evacuees needing it, but firefighters as well,” Dan says.

In the early days of the response, EDS teams had to move around as the fires spread. However, they have now settled at the Jasper Arena, which is considered to be in a safe area. In Hinton, they are stationed at a local hotel.

Right now, the wildfire situation is uncertain. What is certain is that The Salvation Army will continue to assist as long as needed.

“We’ll continue feeding until the fires are under control,” Dan says.

“We’ll continue feeding until the fires are under control.”

According to Danielle Smith, premier of Alberta, it is estimated that between 30 to 50 percent of structures in Jasper have been damaged or destroyed. This means it will take lots of time and support for the community to get back on its feet. The Salvation Army will continue to assist during the recovery period.

“We are here to help in times of trouble. We want to support those who are affected by the wildfires, including the first responders. The joy of seeing somebody when you help and make them feel better is what motivates us to want to do this,” Dan shares.

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda are accepting donations to meet the immediate needs of people impacted by wildfires across Canada. Donations for “Wildfire Emergency Relief” may be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or online at SalvationArmy.ca/Wildfires.

By Juan Romero