An emergency exercise in the Bragg Creek area this Thursday (Apr. 21) will replicate a response to a wildfire.

A command post for the exercise will be established in Bragg Creek starting at 8 a.m. on Apr. 21 and involves emergency response teams of Rocky View County (RVC), Tsuut'ina Nation, the Canadian Red Cross, and other partners. It's expected to conclude at 1 p.m.

During the exercise, emergency personnel will implement an evacuation plan that does not require any public participation, but there is the possibility of brief disruptions and delays for residents.

An evacuation centre will also be established at the Springbank Park for All Seasons and the emergency command centre will be based out of the Rocky View County Hall.

Officials say the exercise will help determine opportunities and challenges within emergency management and evacuation plans.

“A natural disaster can strike at any time," says RVC Mayor Don Kochan. "Planned training exercises are essential to ensure we are ready and coordinated to offer residents the assistance they need during a real emergency."

The Salvation Army, St. John Ambulance, Team Rubicon Canada, and Animal Emergency Task Force are among the other participating partners.

Mayor Kochan thanks all those involved.

While this is not a real emergency, RVC officials say it's an opportunity for residents to ready themselves for an actual emergency.

That includes such measures as:

  • signing up for emergency alerts through the County’s Safe and Sound notification system;
  • building and maintaining emergency kits;
  • creating an emergency plan and practicing the plan with your family; and
  • reviewing insurance policies to ensure sufficient coverage is available to protect your family and property.

You can learn more about the exercise here.

A similar exercise was held on Apr. 29, 2017.

mock exercisePhoto from April 29, 2017 exercise in the Bragg Creek area.