Some P.E.I. forestry workers are learning how to safety get in and out of a moving helicopter — a skill they’ll need if they’re eventually deployed to help fight wildfires in Fort McMurray or other fires in remote areas.
Ken Mayhew, the information officer with the Forests, Fish and Wildlife division of the provincial government, said the eight employees will be taking part in training in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
“Four are going to New Brunswick and four are going to Nova Scotia over the next couple of days. The intent here is take training in how to exit and enter a helicopter — a moving helicopter — safely,” said Mayhew.
Ken Mayhew
Ken Mayhew, the information officer with the Forests, Fish and Wildlife division of the provincial government, said P.E.I. firefighters have not been asked to help out with the firefighting efforts in Alberta. (CBC)
“So that they can go to fires in other parts of the country where safe landing sites might not be available.”
Mayhew said firefighters often have to transport in and out of sites by helicopter when dealing with fires in remote parts of Western Canada, so the training provides a necessary skill.
He said P.E.I. firefighters have not been asked to help out with the firefighting efforts in Alberta.