Photos courtesy Alberta RCMP
WOODLANDS COUNTY/ WHITECOURT, Alta. – While a fast-moving wildfire forced more than 100 Woodlands County residents from their homes, it wasn’t just people who needed saving. Thanks to a quick-thinking partnership between RCMP traffic officers and county staff, hundreds of animals left behind got a second chance.
As the out-of-control wildfire broke out southeast of Whitecourt on May 11, the Alberta RCMP Traffic – Whitecourt Unit was in the middle of National Road Safety Week, conducting enforcement and education initiatives. But when the blaze escalated, officers shifted gears to assist with evacuations.
Soon after, Woodlands County staff raised an urgent concern: pets and livestock were still inside the evacuation zone, with no one to care for them.
In response, the traffic unit teamed up with county staff and the Whitecourt RCMP Detachment to organize supplies and coordinate care efforts. Dubbed “The Paw Patrol” by county staff, the initiative saw officers attend multiple properties to feed and water stranded animals — including cats, dogs, horses, goats, and chickens.
“It was a very busy week for the Alberta RCMP Traffic – Whitecourt Unit as members balanced proactive enforcement with an unexpected emergency response” said Sgt. Greg Anderson of the Alberta RCMP Traffic-Whitecourt Unit. “We are always dedicated to the community and are glad to help, especially during times of need.”
A portion of Highway 43 was designated as a reduced speed zone to accommodate emergency operations, with the traffic unit conducting high-visibility patrols to ensure the safe movement of emergency personnel and equipment to and from the wildfire area.
The wildfire forced the evacuation of more than 100 homes in Woodlands County, just southeast of Whitecourt. No injuries to residents or first responders were reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
“It was a very busy week for the Alberta RCMP Traffic – Whitecourt Unit as members balanced proactive enforcement with an unexpected emergency response” said Sgt. Greg Anderson of the Alberta RCMP Traffic-Whitecourt Unit. “We are always dedicated to the community and are glad to help, especially during times of need”.
