Alberta
Alberta’s wildland firefighters are on their way to assist in California
Firefighters receive a briefing ahead of their departure to California.
The state of California has been devastated by fast moving wildfires, which have already destroyed about 12,000 homes and buildings, and have tragically taken lives.
Alberta Wildfire received a request to assist California through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Alberta’s government is sending two fully equipped wildfire crews, including 40 wildland firefighters and two agency representatives. The teams departed Edmonton on Monday, Jan. 13 and are expected to arrive in California within the next few days.
“Our hearts go out to everyone in California who has been impacted due to the devastating fires. Good neighbours are always there for each other in times of need, and we will assist our American friends in any way they need during this crisis. We are sending 40 highly skilled and experienced wildland firefighters to assist in the response efforts. Alberta remains committed to providing support and expertise to help protect lives, property and communities.”
“In 2023, California firefighters bravely supported Alberta in a time of great need. Now, Alberta is answering the call and has stepped up to assist our neighbours. I have spoken directly to Cal Fire and to the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to assure them that Alberta is prepared to support them in their ongoing efforts. Alberta has experience and expertise in battling wildfires, and we’re committed to supporting our friends and partners in the United States.”
California’s wildfire management agency will determine where the Alberta crews are deployed.
Additional Type 1 firefighters, Incident Command personnel, and qualified support staff are ready to go, if requested. Alberta Wildfire is also preparing water bombers, pilots, and contracted night vision helicopters to assist in California, if needed.
Quick fact
- During Alberta’s record-breaking wildfire season in 2023, 115 firefighters and support staff from California came to help Alberta’s wildfire response.
WATCH From Underdog to Top Broodmare (video)
Executive Producers Jeff Robillard (Horse Racing Alberta) and Mike Little (Shinelight Entertainment)
What began as an underdog story became a legacy of excellence. Crackers Hot Shot didn’t just race — she paved the way for future generations, and in doing so became one of the most influential producers the province has known.
The extraordinary journey of Crackers Hot Shot — once overlooked, now revered — stands as one of Alberta’s finest success stories in harness racing and breeding.
Born in humble circumstances and initially considered rough around the edges, Crackers Hot Shot overcame long odds to carve out a career that would forever impact the province’s racing industry. From a “wild, unhandled filly” to Alberta’s “Horse of the Year” in 2013, to producing foals who carry her spirit and fortitude into future generations.
Her influence ripples through Alberta’s racing and breeding landscape: from how young stock are prepared, to the aspirations of local breeders who now look to “the mare that did it” as proof that world-class talent can emerge from Alberta’s paddocks.
“Crackers Hot Shot, she had a tough start. She wasn’t much to look at when we first got her” — Rod Starkewski
“Crackers Hot Shot was left on her own – Carl Archibald heard us talking, he said ‘I’ll go get her – I live by there’. I think it took him 3 days to dig her out of the snow. She was completely wild – then we just started working on her. She really needed some humans to work with her – and get to know that people are not scary.” — Jackie Starkewski
“Crackers Hot Shot would be one of the top broodmares in Albeta percentage wise if nothing else. Her foals hit the track – they’re looking for the winners circle every time.” — Connie Kolthammer
Visit thehorses.com to learn more about Alberta’s Horse Racing industry.
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It’s time to vote again.
After Albertans had their say in the first round, the eight original licence plate designs are down to the final four. Danielle Smith has been clear that this choice will be up to Albertans.
So now it’s your turn to help pick which designs move to the final round.
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Don’t wait. Cast your vote now and help decide what Alberta’s new licence plate will look like.
– Your United Conservative Team
P.S. Every licence plate on the road is a rolling billboard for Alberta. Your vote helps decide what that billboard looks like. Vote here. |
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