Yes, both Mexico and Canada have sent firefighters to assist in battling California’s wildfires
Right now, wildfires are raging in the Los Angeles area, causing a lot of destruction. Sadly, at least 25 people have lost their lives, and thousands of homes have been wiped out.
The fires, known as the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires, started on January 7 and have already burned over 60 square miles. That’s bigger than Paris!
As the situation got serious, social media lit up with claims that help was on the way from our neighbors to the south and north. Many readers, like Kimberly and Jeff, were curious if it was true.
Well, it turns out it is! Both Mexico and Canada have sent firefighters to lend a hand. California’s governor and officials from both countries confirmed this.
On January 11, Cal Fire announced they were expanding their efforts and welcomed help from Texas, Canada, and Mexico. Firefighters from Mexico arrived at LAX on January 11, and they’re ready to jump into action.
Mexico sent over 70 firefighters and disaster relief workers to assist with the firefighting operations. They’re specifically forming hand crews to tackle the flames.
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared that Canada was sending 60 firefighters to help out. They were on the ground by January 12, with more crews on the way.
Alberta even sent a crew of 40 wildland firefighters and two support staff to California. They’re also prepping water bombers and helicopters just in case they’re needed.
British Columbia is sending technical staff to help with incident command, and Québec has 60 wildland firefighters on standby.
This isn’t the first time these countries have teamed up to fight fires. Mexico sent 100 firefighters to California back in September 2020.
Eduardo Cruz, Mexico’s National Fire Director, said it best: “Fires do not have borders.” It’s all about working together to fight the flames.
In the past, Canada has also helped the U.S. with wildfires, sending resources and crews when needed. And the U.S. has returned the favor, sending firefighters to help Canada and Mexico in their times of need.
So, it’s great to see countries coming together to tackle these wildfires. It’s a tough situation, but teamwork makes the dream work!
