P.E.I. firefighters on their way to Alberta

Prince Edward Island forest firefighters are traveling to Alberta to give what help they can with wildfires there.

"Seven forest firefighters from the Island will leavetomorrowas part of a team from Newfoundland that is heading west to assist with the wildfires that continue to rage in Alberta," said Land and Environment Minister Robert Mitchell in a news release Thursday.

"It has been a devastating time for Alberta and we are pleased to be able to provide support."

Alberta covers costs

Firefighters will learn of their specific location and role when they arrive in Alberta. Their costs will be covered by the Government of Alberta, as outlined in the National Mutual Aid Resource Sharing Agreement.

In addition to the firefighters, an eighth staff member from the Land and Environment Department will travel to work in the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre office in Winnipeg.

While in Winnipeg, the staff member will assume the role of international liaison, co-ordinating resource exchanges with countries such as Australia, U.S.A., Mexico and South Africa.

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