The Alberta government said 40 wildland firefighters are on their way to California to help in the battle against blazes that have devastated the Los Angeles area.
Forestry Minister Todd Lewin told reporters Monday that firefighters are expected to be on the ground for the next few days after they hit the road from Edmonton on Monday morning.
“They are expected to remain there for 14 days, although it is possible that this could be extended,” Lewin said.
He said additional resources such as water bombers, night vision helicopters and additional firefighters could be deployed if requested.
“Good neighbors are always there for each other,” Lewin said, adding that Alberta is ready to return the favor after 115 firefighters from California came to help during the province’s record 2023 wildfire season.
“In 2023, California firefighters bravely supported Alberta in its time of greatest need,” he said.
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“Now Alberta is answering the call and stepping up to support our friends and partners in the United States.”
As of Monday morning, at least 24 people had died as a result of the wildfires surrounding Los Angeles, which had burned more than 160 square kilometers in less than a week.
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Most of the damage was caused by two fires – the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire. Both are considered to be less than 30 percent contained as of Monday morning.
About 50,000 people are under evacuation orders, and as of Monday more than a dozen people were considered missing.
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Lewin told reporters that the situation in Los Angeles is a “stark reminder” of the need to prepare and reduce the risk of wildfires.
He said deploying 40 wildland firefighters will not hinder Alberta as it prepares for the 2025 wildfire season.
“We don’t expect this to delay us at all,” he said, adding that crews are also currently working to battle six wildfires in the county.
Alberta Wildfire is sending two crews of firefighters to help our friends in California with their current wildfire situation. We wish them well and a safe return when they leave this morning. pic.twitter.com/1gLG6DkV99
– Alberta Wildfire (@AlbertaWildfire) January 13, 2025
& Edition 2025 The Canadian Press