Canadian Forces sending more help to Williams Lake

More than 200 members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) were deployed to Williams Lake on Thursday.

The CAF personnel have been asked to assist the RCMP with some very specific duties in communities that are dealing with wildfires.

CAF members load emergency supplies onto a CC-177 Globemaster in Edmonton for delivery to Williams Lake, British Columbia, on July 16, 2017. pic.twitter.com/AE7dpEcJLI

— Combat Camera (@CFCombatCamFC) July 18, 2017

This includes ground evacuation of persons in distress, delivery of essential aid supplies and helping the RCMP maintain road checkpoints through affected areas.

"This is an unprecedented emergency, and it's a welcome relief to get more boots on the ground from the Canadian Forces to support the enormous amount of provincial resources going into managing this event with the RCMP, wildfire fighters, EMBC and literally thousands of volunteers working as hard as they possibly can," said Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth.

"I want to thank our Canadian Government and Canadian Forces for yet again stepping up and offering their support to help during our time of need.”

Nearly 225 additional #CAF members sent to help w #BCwildfires response following new Federal Assistance request: https://t.co/B5SSiMxnQn pic.twitter.com/5qEOyEbx48

— Canadian Forces (@CanadianForces) July 20, 2017

The Province’s request for military support doesn’t include deployments in an armed or law-enforcement capacity.

With the CAF’s added support, the RCMP will be able to continue their duties of protecting the public in addition to assistance they’re providing to the emergency.

"As the wildfire situation continues to evolve, the RCMP and our partner agencies are planning for the long-term sustainability of core policing duties in the province while maintaining our ability to have a timely response to emerging fire issues," said Deputy Commissioner, Brenda Butterworth-Carr.

The #CAF has deployed aircraft to help evacuate locals affected by the wildfires and transport first responders and equipment #OpLENTUS pic.twitter.com/AicAzihVgz

— Canadian Forces (@CanadianForces) July 14, 2017

"The RCMP will continue to have a robust presence within evacuated and affected areas, while also overseeing the specific duties assigned to the Canadian Armed Forces."

With 150 CAF personnel already in Williams Lake, the additional 225 announced on Thursday brings it to a total of 375 CAF.