Municipal Minute - May 23

Listen to the recording

Hello - this is Mayor Judy Dahl with the Town of Olds Municipal Minute. 
Before the long weekend, there were 94 active wildfires in our province.  
With the shifting winds, many communities like Olds are adjusting to the smoke pollution that is blanketing many parts of Alberta.  Air quality statements have been issued for much of the province, changing what we’re able to do outside.  Other communities are facing evacuation notices, and some are watching friends and family deal with loss and hardship. 
The Olds Fire Department has contributed vehicle apparatuses and supplies and people to firefighter efforts, deploying several crews to Drayton Valley, Peace River, and Rainbow Lake. This was done in coordination with our regional departments throughout Mountain View County.
On behalf of Council and the Town, we would like to thank all firefighters and emergency crews who have been working long and hard during this difficult time. These boots-on-the-ground responders are away from their homes and families while battling these wildfires.  And most are volunteers, some taking time off work to provide mutual aid to our neighbours and friends in the north.  
The men and women of the fire department risk their lives and endure intense training on our behalf. When you have the opportunity, please say thanks.
And finally, thank you to our community for remaining vigilant and following the province-wide fire and off-highway vehicle bans in order to prevent any new fires from starting.