Calgary

Calgary tree cleanup gets boost from Alberta's wildfire crews

Roughly 120 provincial wildfire fighters from all over the province are in Calgary to help clear tree debris from last week’s snowstorm.

Province lending firefighters to city for as long as necessary

With thousands of trees downed in Calgary by last week's freak snowstorm, the province has lent the city 120 wildfire crews to help with the cleanup. (CBC)

Roughly 120 provincial wildfire fighters from all over the province are in Calgary to help clear tree debris from last week’s snowstorm.

With the wildfire season mostly over, wildfire information officer Geoffrey Driscoll says the province was able to make the crews available to Calgary.

“All of our firefighters are trained for this type of thing for trimming and cutting down trees and for chainsaw work. This is what they do all year. So trees are our business and so when Calgary asked we were happy to come down,” he said.

Driscoll said the crews will stay as long as needed. 

“Sounds like there’s enough work to keep them here for a while,” he said.

Driscoll said the firefighters tell him it’s especially rewarding to be able to help people who aren’t able to clear away debris on their own.

“They are really happy to be out there,” he said.

Seniors and people who need help cleaning up their yards can contact the City Links program by calling 311.