File photo of the Drayton Valley wildfire taken on May 4, 2023. (Photo: Mike Modney)

By Christian Oldale

Lethbridge welcomes wildfire evacuees

May 8, 2023 | 1:56 PM

File LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge has received its first group of evacuees from the wildfires in the northern parts of Alberta

Around 50 evacuees made their way to Lethbridge from northern communities last night, May 7, 2023, orchestrated through Alberta Health Services (AHS). The residents were part of an assisted living facility and have been connected to similar facilities in Lethbridge.

City of Lethbridge Emergency Planning & Risk Manager Luke Palmer said the City supported the transportation of the residents, who were moved by air.

Palmer said it is important that Lethbridge plays a role in providing aid to those displaced.

“These are the types of incidents that bring us together, they don’t pull us apart and the City of Lethbridge is happy to be a part of that,” said Palmer.

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He added, “Its our time to take advantage of that and help others out when in the future we might be the ones calling for assistance knowing our hazards are quite prolific here in the south and dry conditions are coming for us as well. We know what we give we will get as well, and we have great relationships with everyone across the province.”

Fire crews were put on standby on May 5, 2023, in Lethbridge, but have yet to send anyone up to work in the north.

Three city employees, including Palmer, will head up to work in various roles, including staffing the Emergency Operations Centre.

READ MORE: Province says over 29,000 people evacuated due to wildfires