FORT MCMURRAY, AB — The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) is seeking community members for their Emergency Social Services (ESS) team. This volunteer-based group works alongside municipal responders to provide support during times of emergency such as wildfires, floods, and other disasters.

ESS volunteers play a role in helping families secure emergency shelter, providing essential supplies, and offering support to those in need. Activities can also range from assisting evacuees at registration centres or ensuring displaced individuals have access to necessities.

“People in this region help each other when there’s trouble,” says Erin Sieger, Manager of Emergency Management for the RMWB. “If you are able and interested, this is an important and rewarding way you can assist.”

The ESS team has been called upon to provide help during a number of recent events. In 2023, volunteers put in a combined 2,000 hours helping the Rocky River Wildfire Evacuation, including aiding displaced residents from Fort Chipewyan. Later that year, they provided hundreds of hours of assistance to evacuees from the Northwest Territories during a long and difficult wildfire season.

Most recently, during the 2024 wildfire evacuations affecting several areas of our region south of the Athabasca River, ESS members provided support to more than 6,600 Fort McMurray evacuees at registration centres in Lac La Biche, Cold Lake, and Edmonton.

No prior experience is required to join the ESS team. Volunteers participate in two or three training exercises annually and have access to additional valuable courses through the Alberta Emergency Management Agency. Residents from all communities within the Municipality are encouraged to apply.

“This is an opportunity to give back to your community in a meaningful way,” adds Sieger. “Our volunteers are trained, prepared, and ready to help when it matters most.”

For more information visit https://www.rmwb.ca/en/fire-and-emergency-services/volunteer-with-emergency-social-services.aspx