Canada Task Force 1 arrives in Okanagan to help with fires
West Kelowna fire chief Jason Brolund has requested and received approval for the deployment of Canada Task Force 1 to start dealing with the aftermath of the Central Okanagan fires.
Canada Task Force 1 (CANTF1) is based in Vancouver. It is a team of approximately 130 members with specialized training and experience. It consists of staff from Vancouver Fire Rescue Services, Vancouver Police Department, City of Vancouver (Engineering & Parks Board), BC Emergency Health Services and independent engineers and physicians.
“An incredible number of trained professionals. There will be up to 50 of them on the ground. I briefed the first wave that arrived this morning and this team is bringing incredible expertise and horsepower,” Brolund said.
CANTF1 can be completely self-sufficient, providing its own base of operations, accommodations, medical facilities, food, water, power, communications, and equipment. This eliminates putting more strain on a government or community that is already in distress.