Over 60 Canadian firefighters are en route to California to assist with devastating wildfires affecting the Los Angeles area
Los Angeles: More than 60 firefighters from Canada are heading to help with the wildfires raging in the area. These fires have already taken lives and destroyed countless homes.
The B.C. Ministry of Forests shared that a group of 22 crew members and one representative left for Los Angeles on Monday. They join a dozen technical specialists who arrived over the weekend.
These specialists are pros in planning, logistics, aviation, and fire weather. They’ll be in the U.S. for at least two weeks, working hard to tackle the situation.
Meanwhile, Alberta is sending 40 wildland firefighters and two representatives, also leaving on Monday. They should be on the ground soon and will stick around for a couple of weeks.
As of Monday morning, the wildfires have sadly claimed at least 24 lives and burned over 160 square kilometers in just a week.
The main culprits are the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, both of which are still less than 30% contained.
Currently, about 50,000 people are under evacuation orders, and more than a dozen are still missing.
Alberta’s Forestry Minister, Todd Loewen, mentioned that they’re ready to send more resources if needed, like water bombers and night-vision helicopters.
He emphasized the importance of being good neighbors, recalling how 115 California firefighters came to help Alberta during its record-breaking wildfire season in 2023.
Loewen said, “Now Alberta is answering the call and stepping up to support our friends and partners in the United States.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on January 13, 2025.
