Article by: MWO Kyle Ho; Sergeant Major 127 Squadron
On May 10, 2023, the province of Alberta submitted a Request For Assistance (RFA) due to the unprecedented wildfire situation. 1 Combat Engineering Regiment was responsible for deploying a company, with the initial recce team on 4 hours to move out and the follow-on force moving out after 8 hours. Within 24 hours of the RFA, 1 CER deployed 127 Squadron (Sqn) to support Alberta Wildfire in Drayton Valley, AB.
“The 100 or so troops that make up 127 Sqn are unique because they were formed by combining 11, 12 and 17 Sqns as a result of many of our personnel already being deployed overseas. It represents yet another way in which we have demonstrated our adaptability and our ability to mobilize quickly.” 127 Sqn Commander Major Tyler Ye.
On arriving in Drayton Valley, 127 Sqn quickly integrated into the Alberta Wildfire effort. Troops of all ranks moved throughout the fire zone and “mopped up” fires and embers to ensure a larger fire doesn’t reignite. This included the removal of burnt and dangerous trees, the suppression of hotspots and the patrolling of perimeter lines to seek out and extinguish hidden embers.
For three days 127 Sqn was effective in limiting the spread of fire and on May 13 the 41 Canadian Brigade Group (CBG) joined 127 Sqn in Drayton Valley. With these new troops on the ground, 127 Sqn looked to move north to Fox Creek. Between May 13 and 14 both forces fought the fire together until 127 Sqn conducted a deliberate move north on May 15, with the aim of supporting the Fox Creek fire response.
Arriving in Fox Creek was no easy task. Upon arrival the planned location for camp was no longer viable, as the encroaching fire posed too great a risk. This risk forced 127 Sqn to move to Whitecourt alongside numerous evacuees from the region.
When asked about the situation, Major Ye said, “Seeing evacuees from across the province and realizing that the community of Whitecourt was housing all these folks was eye opening. People were sleeping in their cars, in their campers and in tents. We at 127 Sqn were able to stay with Alberta Wildfire at a makeshift camp built on a local golf course.”
Since then, 127 Squadron has gotten into a battle rhythm. The troops are up at about 5 a.m., start fighting fire alongside Alberta Wildfire around 7 a.m. and are out until around 8 p.m. each day.
In closing, Captain Trenton Klimick, a platoon commander with the squadron said, “The troops on the ground are motivated and although the work is tough, and the days are long, we are confident we can overcome the challenge. We will stand ready to do so until we are no longer needed.”