Canada sending firefighters to support California wildfire efforts

Canada is stepping up to assist California as wildfires ravage the state.

Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan announced that 60 firefighters from Alberta and British Columbia are set to deploy as early as Monday. This response follows an official request from the United States, which has been approved by Canadian officials.

The deployment involves close coordination between federal and provincial governments. Alberta’s contribution includes up to 40 wildland firefighters, waterbombers, and night-vision helicopters, all prepared to tackle the intense fires. Alberta’s Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen emphasized the readiness of their team, noting that additional personnel and resources are available if needed.

British Columbia’s forests minister confirmed that a wildfire crew from the province left for California over the weekend to assist in the Los Angeles area, where evacuations are underway due to the widespread destruction.

Quebec is also playing a crucial role by sending two more firefighting aircraft, despite a recent incident where one of its water bombers collided with a drone while combating the flames. This support is part of a longstanding agreement under which Quebec provides firefighting assistance to California each fall.

The wildfires have resulted in at least 24 fatalities and have forced the evacuation of 150,000 residents in Los Angeles County.