SEARCH AND RESCUE
STRIKE TEAMS
Strike Teams are specialized groups within Fort McMurray Search and Rescue designed to respond quickly and effectively to specific search and rescue needs. Each team is composed of trained members with defined roles, equipment, and capabilities, allowing for rapid deployment and coordinated operations in dynamic environments.
These teams enhance our operational readiness by focusing on particular skills such as ground search, technical response, evidence search, and extended operations. By organizing our responders into strike teams, Fort McMurray Search and Rescue ensures efficient use of resources, strong leadership in the field, and a high standard of safety and professionalism during every deployment.
Strike Teams train regularly and operate in support of incident command and partner agencies, adapting to the unique demands of each mission while maintaining a common goal: delivering effective, reliable search and rescue services when they are needed most.
GROUND SEARCHERS
Ground Searchers are the backbone of Fort McMurray Search and Rescue operations. They are trained to operate on foot in diverse terrain and challenging conditions, working as part of a coordinated team to locate missing persons, gather critical information, and support safe outcomes during active searches.
As a Ground Searcher, you’ll develop practical field skills, strong teamwork, and the ability to perform under real-world conditions. Every search is different, and every deployment matters. It’s demanding work—but for those who thrive on purpose, teamwork, and challenge, it’s an incredibly rewarding way to serve the community.
SWIFT WATER BOAT TEAM
The River Jet Boat Team is a specialized water-based response unit providing rapid access to waterways, shorelines, and remote river corridors. Operating powerful shallow-water jet boats, these teams support search operations, evacuations, and evidence searches in dynamic and often hazardous conditions.
Team members combine advanced boat handling, navigation, and situational awareness with close coordination alongside ground and air assets. It’s fast-moving, technical work that demands precision, teamwork, and calm decision-making—delivering critical capability when time and access matter most.
UTV/ATV TEAM
The UTV / ATV Team provides rapid off-road access for operations in areas unreachable by standard vehicles. Using specialized all-terrain and utility vehicles, these teams support search efforts across trails, muskeg, snow, and rugged terrain while transporting personnel, equipment, and critical resources.
Members of the UTV / ATV Team combine advanced vehicle handling with strong navigation and field skills, allowing search teams to move faster, cover more ground, and adapt to changing conditions. It’s a high-mobility role that plays a key part in getting help where it’s needed—when every minute counts.
SNOWMOBILE TEAM
The Snowmobile Team provides critical winter mobility during search and rescue operations in snow-covered and remote environments. Operating in extreme cold, limited visibility, and challenging terrain, these teams enable rapid access to areas that would otherwise be unreachable.
Snowmobile team members combine advanced riding skills, navigation, and winter survival training to support ground searches, transport personnel and equipment, and extend operational reach in harsh conditions. It’s a demanding role that requires preparation, teamwork, and resilience—delivering vital capability when winter conditions are at their worst.
ICE RESCUE TEAM
The Ice Rescue Team specializes in responding to emergencies on frozen waterways and unstable ice. Operating in high-risk, cold-water environments, these teams are trained to assess ice conditions, perform technical rescues, and work methodically in situations where seconds matter.
Team members use specialized equipment, disciplined procedures, and strong teamwork to operate safely in unpredictable conditions. Ice rescue is precise, demanding work that requires calm decision-making and absolute trust in the team—providing a critical lifesaving capability during the most challenging winter incidents.
DRONE TEAM (IN DEVELOPMENT)
The Drone Team is an emerging capability designed to enhance search and rescue operations through aerial observation and rapid area assessment. Using remotely piloted aircraft systems, this team will support searches by improving situational awareness, locating points of interest, and assisting with safer, more efficient tasking of ground resources.
As the program develops, the Drone Team will focus on training, regulatory compliance, and operational integration with field teams and incident command. This evolving capability represents a significant step forward in how technology can support search operations—helping teams work smarter and respond faster as the program comes online.
AIR SUPPORT TEAM
Our Air Unit brings a vital aerial dimension to search and rescue operations by partnering with experienced aviation and volunteer organizations to expand our reach, improve situational awareness, and support critical missions.
We work closely with HERO Helicopter Emergency Response Organization — learn more at https://localherofoundation.com/ — and Phoenix Heli-Flight — visit https://phoenixheliflight.com/ — both of whom provide highly capable helicopter resources in our region, including 24/7 medevac and emergency flight services.
We also collaborate with the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), a nationwide volunteer aviation association that supports Canada’s Search and Rescue program through trained pilots, spotters, and air search support services. Learn more about CASARA at https://www.casara.ca/.
Together, these partners enhance our ability to locate and assist people in distress from the air — whether through aerial searches, rapid transport, or coordinated support of ground teams — bringing an essential capability to every mission.