GNWT sending water bombers to Fort McMurray, donates $50K to Red Cross

The Government of the Northwest Territories announced it has sent water bombers to help fight the wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alta.

The minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Wally Schumann, made the announcement at a rally for Fort McMurray at Yellowknife's Sombe K'e Park today.

Schumann said, so far, the territory has sent a water bomber and a spotter plane, which were requested. He said the N.W.T.'s remaining fleet is on standby if officials in Alberta need them.

"It's good, we're reaching out to our neighbours, our fellow Canadians. It's a very serious incident that's going on down there so everyone's got to do their part to assist," Schumann said.

"It's something Northerners should be proud of."

In a news release, Deputy Premier Robert C. McLeod announced that the territory will be donating $50,000 to the Red Cross to help victims of the wildfire.

McLeod said people in the N.W.T. have much in common with those who live in northern Alberta.

He said the territorial government is ready to provide whatever support the province needs, including help with firefighting.