Courtesy: FlightWatch

By Lisa Parent, Eli J. Ridder

WILDFIRES

HALO Air Ambulance will help fight wildfires in new pilot project

Jun 4, 2024 | 12:38 PM

The Medicine Hat-based HALO Air Ambulance will be used to help with regional wildfire response in a new pilot project revealed Tuesday ahead of a potentially record-breaking dry summer.

The emergency helicopter will provide real-time aerial reconnaissance and rapid deployment of initial attach resource support to Cypress County Emergency Services during wildfire incidents, officials said.

Equipped with advanced communications and staffed by highly-trained professionals, the helicopter will offer invaluable situational awareness and logistical support to ground crews, enabling more effective and efficient firefighting operations.

HALO chief executive Paul Carolan said the partnership represented a major step forward to improve community safety.

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““By combining HALO’s aerial expertise with Cypress County’s frontline firefighting capabilities, we are better equipped to protect lives, property, and natural resources from the devastating impact of wildfires,” Carolan said.

Cypress County fire chief Jason Linton called the pilot project a “transformative initiative” and said response time should improve.

“Through this partnership, we are enhancing our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to wildfires, ultimately ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities,” Linton said.

Meanwhile, in Calgary, Premier Danielle Smith revealed a new 10-year, $135-million contract with the STARS air ambulance service.