WA taskforce, including Geraldton firefighter, sent on 35-day deployment to help battle Canadian wildfires

A 21-strong WA taskforce, including a Geraldton firefighter, left for Canada earlier this week to help their counterparts battle devastating wildfires. The WA Arduous Firefighting Taskforce departed Australia on Tuesday, headed to the Canadian province of Alberta for a 35-day deployment. The group includes senior firefighter William Gillespie Harp from the Geraldton Career Fire and Rescue Service. The taskforce includes a mixture of career and volunteer firefighters and personnel from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. More than 200 active wildfires are burning across Canada, with more than 3.3 million hectares burnt so far. The taskforce was farewelled at the airport by Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia and DFES commissioner Darren Klemm. Mr Papalia said the message to Canadians was “stay strong, West Aussies are on their way to help”. “Every West Australian should be really proud that we have people like this willing to step forward and put their lives on the line and on hold to go to the other side of the world and represent our State helping people,” he said. “I reckon they’ll (Canadians) be really relieved to hear that someone cares about them from the other side of the world and these guys are willing to go and put themselves on the line on their behalf.” Mr Papalia said there was a “real community” among firefighters around the world and a willingness to help each other out. “It’s good to know that they’ll be there when we need them and vice versa,” he said. The WA contingent will be assisting with uncontrolled wildfires burning in the Alberta province, 7km north of Swan Hills near Edith Lake. Mr Klemm thanked the 21 members of the taskforce who put their hand up to help their international colleagues and protect Canadians under threat. “Tough days are ahead for this group of firefighters. They are prepared to work in remote locations, high altitudes, extreme temperatures, and carry heavy equipment over extended periods,” he said. “We have sent some of our best people for this deployment with proven high levels of physical and mental endurance to qualify as arduous firefighters.”