Calgary crews ready to help Fort McMurray if needed

Calgary is ready and willing to provide resources to help Fort McMurray battle the wildfire that is consuming the city, but will not send crews unlessrequested.

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Tom Sampson, the Calgary Emergency Management Agency chief, said aid resources will be "cascaded down the province," with help coming from those areas closest to Fort McMurray and then working south if required.

"The thing is is that we're supportingeach other and we know what resources there are," he said.

Regular contact

He's in monthly contact with the nine largest municipalities in Alberta to discuss emergency preparedness and coordination for situations like what's happening up north is done through the Alberta Emergency Management Agency.

He said the city can provide emergency crews, as well as search and rescue teams, 911 operators and workers from agencies including bylaw services and water services.

Calgary firechief SteveDongworth said his department is able to immediately send four fully staffed fire engines and two fully staffed smaller vehicles called bush buggies, should they be requested.

No requests

Sampson made it clear that no requests for help have been made and the city is not going to send crews unless directed.

"We don't think that we should just dispatch units," he said, adding many first responders have indicated they are willing to go right away.

"Wethink this really needs to be done in an ordered fashion," he said.