Russian offer to send heavy water bombers to Fort McMurray in limbo

[polly7]

MURRAY BREWSTER
OTTAWA — The Canadian Press
Published Monday, May 09, 2016 7:56AM EDT
Last updated Monday, May 09, 2016 8:11AM EDT


The Trudeau government has yet to respond to an offer by Russia to dispatch massive water bombers and fire fighting specialists to battle the growing inferno around Fort McMurray, Alta.

The proposal was made late last week by Vladimir Puchkov, the Russian minister of emergency measures.

A spokesman for Russia’s embassy in Ottawa, Kirill Kalinin, said Sunday that they continue to stand “ready to help our Canadian partners to fight the ongoing wildfires in Alberta.”

The offer involves sending converted Ilyushin Il-76 transport planes — the kind occasionally leased by the Canadian military — that can dump as much as “42 tons of fire retardant into fire spots,” according to a statement on the web site of Russia’s Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters.

In addition, Moscow said it has “rescuers and specialists with necessary equipment” ready to help on the ground, if need be.

Full article: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/russian-offer-to-send-heavy-water-bombers-to-fort-mac-in-limbo/article29935985/

[mahatmakanejeeves]

1. I had to read that twice. I thought they were coming to bomb the facilities where the heavy water

was being made.

Norwegian heavy water sabotage

Dangerous Water

Sabotaging Hitler’s Heavy Water

Never mind.

[polly7]

2. Self-delete - Sorry, I misunderstood this. nt.

Last edited Tue May 10, 2016, 11:34 AM - Edit history (1)

[Joe Shlabotnik]

3. Dithering is what Liberals are best at. n/t

[polly7]

4. I agree with that, but ..

Trudeau turns down Russian, U.S., Mexican offers to help fight Fort Mac wildfire

Murray Brewster, The Canadian Press
Published Monday, May 9, 2016 1:53PM EDT
Last Updated Monday, May 9, 2016 5:10PM EDT

OTTAWA -- Russia, the U.S., Mexico, Australia, Taiwan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority have all offered help in fighting the northern Alberta wildfire, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says there's no need for international assistance.

Last week Vladimir Puchkov, the Russian minister of emergency measures, offered to send heavy water bombers and specialized crews to battle the fire that's been raging out of control near Fort McMurray.

A number of other offers have also been made since the crisis emerged last week and they have been reviewed against requirements, said John Babcock, a spokesman for Global Affairs Canada.

Canada sincerely appreciates the international support, but it isn't necessary, Trudeau told a news conference Monday. Water bombers and firefighters from other provinces, including Ontario, B.C., Quebec and New Brunswick, are getting a handle on the situation, he added.

"There is no doubt that people around the world have been marked by this disaster and have been very generous in their offers of support, but the reality is with all of the assistance of people across this country, we don't need help from other countries at this time," he said in French.

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said Canadian authorities have a handle on the crisis and what's truly needed is a break in the weather.

"The decision was made by the firefighters in the emergency management system that (foreign help) wasn't necessary because of the nature of this blaze," Goodale said following question period.

"This beast is so big the only thing that will fix it is rain."

http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/trudeau-turns-down-russian-u-s-mexican-offers-to-help-fight-fort-mac-wildfire-1.2894491