More than 300 firefighters from the United States and South Africa will travel to Canada in the coming days to help their Canadian colleagues fight an unprecedented wildfire season.
Federal officials said Thursday that at least 100 US firefighters will arrive in Nova Scotia over the weekend to help bring the out-of-control wildfires under control that have forced about 21,000 people from their homes since last Sunday.
On the other hand, another 200 firefighters arriving from South Africa will probably end up in Alberta.
These new contingents of firefighters from overseas will join hundreds of their colleagues from countries like the United States, Australia and New Zealand who were already in Canada fighting fires.
Officials say the number of fires so far this year is roughly equal to 10-year averages, but the amount of land devastated by those fires, around 27,000 square kilometers, is unprecedented.
The Government of Canada says it approved the Nova Scotia government’s desperate plea for help on Wednesday night. The Canadian Armed Forces are preparing to provide significant support, including logistical assistance and resources to fight fires and hot spots.
Federal Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said Canada is seeing the effects of climate change, including more frequent and more extreme wildfires.
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