FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta — A Twitter photo of Strathcona County firefighters taking their first break in 30 hours after battling the Fort McMurray wildfire has gone viral.
The photo shows seven firefighters laying down and resting on a lawn, catching up on sleep.
Our crew taking their first rest since leaving #shpk yesterday evening. #ymmfire pic.twitter.com/a2iBdU1xhg
— Strathcona Fire (@StrathconaFire) May 4, 2016
“I think that was about 30 hours after leaving here … kind of the first chance they had to catch a break since they got out of there,” Strathcona County Emergency Service Deputy Chief Devin Capcara told CBC.ca.
The department sent 10 of their members to help fight the Fort McMurray fire on Tuesday and have sent many more since.
“They’ve reported that they have been able to make a difference, they have been able to save a lot of properties. But then again, the fires are still going on. There’s still a chance that the homes that have been saved could be in danger again,” Chief Capcara said.
The county plans to send more firefighters over the weekend to relieve others and intends to provide assistance until at least Wednesday.
Reinforcements packing up to head north to #ymmfire. pic.twitter.com/vngw9kMoRD
— Strathcona Fire (@StrathconaFire) May 5, 2016