Helis, July 17, 2023 - Four Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Boeing CH-147F Chinook helicopters from 450 Tactical Squadron worked late into the evening on July 14 to transport 344 people from Eastmain to safety in Matagami, Quebec.
This marked the largest number of individuals ever evacuated by RCAF Chinooks in a single day.
Due to wildfires that had engulfed the Eeyou Istchee traditional lands and blocked access roads, evacuation notices were issued for vulnerable individuals in the Cree nations of Nemaska, Eastmain, Waskaganish, and Wemindji. The dense smoke and limited transportation options necessitated the assistance of the military helicopters.
To support the evacuation efforts, the Canadian government deployed Canadian Rangers, who are part of the Canadian Army Reserve. These highly trained individuals operate in remote and isolated areas, and they played a crucial role in transporting people to safety and providing support to the affected communities.
The RCAF Chinooks' involvement in the operation was conducted under Operation LENTUS. This operation is the Canadian Armed Forces' response to natural disasters within Canada. While provincial and territorial authorities are typically the first responders, they may request assistance from the military if the magnitude of the disaster exceeds their capacity.
Overall, the coordinated efforts of the RCAF Chinooks, Canadian Rangers, and various agencies involved ensured the safe evacuation of individuals and the provision of necessary support during this challenging time.
This marked the largest number of individuals ever evacuated by RCAF Chinooks in a single day.
Due to wildfires that had engulfed the Eeyou Istchee traditional lands and blocked access roads, evacuation notices were issued for vulnerable individuals in the Cree nations of Nemaska, Eastmain, Waskaganish, and Wemindji. The dense smoke and limited transportation options necessitated the assistance of the military helicopters.
To support the evacuation efforts, the Canadian government deployed Canadian Rangers, who are part of the Canadian Army Reserve. These highly trained individuals operate in remote and isolated areas, and they played a crucial role in transporting people to safety and providing support to the affected communities.
The RCAF Chinooks' involvement in the operation was conducted under Operation LENTUS. This operation is the Canadian Armed Forces' response to natural disasters within Canada. While provincial and territorial authorities are typically the first responders, they may request assistance from the military if the magnitude of the disaster exceeds their capacity.
Overall, the coordinated efforts of the RCAF Chinooks, Canadian Rangers, and various agencies involved ensured the safe evacuation of individuals and the provision of necessary support during this challenging time.
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CH-147F Chinook in
Canadian Armed Forces 450 THS
450 Squadron Canadian Armed Forces 
