A member of 436 Transport Squadron (436 Sqn) stands by to receive people with limited mobility aboard a CC-130 Hercules aircraft from 436 Sqn during evacuation operations in Yellowknife as part of Operation Lentus 23-07 on August 17, 2023. Photo: Sailor 1st Class Patrice Harvey, Canadian Armed Forces
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The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have been busy since they landed in the NWT, helping to cut fire breaks, evacuate residents, and fight fires.
Their support began last Saturday, when the first 10 members arrived to begin handling logistics.
On the morning of August 14, CAF helped with evacuation flights in the South Slave.
“An RCAF CC-130H Hercules flew 25 persons from Hay River, Northwest Territories, to Fort McMurray, Alberta, and a second CC-130H Hercules flew 75 persons from Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, to Fort McMurray as well,” CAF said in a news release.
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That evening, another 120 members arrived. Around 100 of them are helping with Type III firefighting, which includes things like soaking hot spots, while the rest are helping with planning and logistics.
They sent us some photos illustrating what they’ve been up to, which we’ve shared below. They’ve dubbed this work Operation Lentus 23-07.
Members of 440 Transport Squadron help people with limited mobility. Photo: Sailor 1st Class Patrice Harvey, Canadian Armed ForcesMembers of 440 Transport Squadron entertain people awaiting evacuation from Yellowknife during Operation Lentus 23-07 on August 17, 2023. Photo: Sailor 1st Class Patrice Harvey, Canadian Armed ForcesCanadian Armed Forces soldiers from 2e Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment and 5 Combat Engineer Regiment head to the forest behind Parker Park to work on a firebreak on August 16, 2023. Photo: Master Corporal Alana Morin, Joint Task Force North, Canadian Armed Forces Canadian Armed Forces soldiers from 2e Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment and 5 Combat Engineer Regiment head to the forest behind Parker Park to work on a firebreak on August 16, 2023. Photo: Master Corporal Alana Morin, Joint Task Force North, Canadian Armed Forces A CC-150 Polaris aircraft arrives at the Yellowknife airport carrying Canadian Armed Forces soldiers from 2e Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment on August 14, 2023. Photo: Master Corporal Alana Morin, Joint Task Force North, Canadian Armed Forces Canadian Armed Forces soldiers from 2e Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment, arrive in Yellowknife via a CC-150 Polaris aircraft to support Operation Lentus on August 14, 2023. Photo: Master Corporal Alana Morin, Joint Task Force North, Canadian Armed ForcesCanadian Armed Forces soldiers from 2e Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment arrive in Yellowknife on August 14, 2023. Photo: Master Corporal Alana Morin, Joint Task Force North, Canadian Armed ForcesWarrant Officer Jason Lapierre directs the off-loading of cargo from a CC-130J Hercules aircraft at the Yellowknife airport n August 14, 2023. Photo: Master Corporal Alana Morin, Joint Task Force North, Canadian Armed ForcesCaptain Liz Campbell of 440 Transport Squadron unloads cargo off a CH-146 Griffon helicopter at the Yellowknife airport on August 14, 2023. Photo: Master Corporal Alana Morin, Joint Task Force North, Canadian Armed Forces PhotoA CH-146 Griffon helicopter lands at the Yellowknife airport in support of Operation Lentus on August 14, 2023. Photo: Master Corporal Alana Morin, Joint Task Force North, Canadian Armed Forces
