The United States of America has deployed more than 600 firefighters, support personnel, and equipment to support Canada to respond to record wildfires events that are intensifying because of the climate crisis.
US President, Joe Biden disclosed this on tweets Wednesday, adding that in America there are close touch with State and Local leaders to ensure they have the support they need to control air pollution according to wildfire in Canada.
He said, “It’s critical that American people experiencing dangerous air pollution, especially those with health conditions, listen to local authorities to protect themselves and their families”.
Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau confirmed that hundreds of American firefighters have recently arrived in the country, and more are on the way.
The Prime Minister said he spoke with US President, Biden on Wednesday about this critical support and thanked him for all the help Americans are providing as the country continue to fight these devastating wildfires.
“We’re seeing more and more of these fires because of climate change. They are affecting everyday routines, lives and livelihoods, and our air quality. We’ll keep working – here at home and with partners around the world to tackle climate change and address its impacts.
“In Manitoba, in Ontario, and in other places across, our support allowed more firefighters to be trained. Just last week, we announced that we’re supporting 300 Indigenous firefighters and 125 Indigenous fire guardians to be hired and trained this season.
“On that note, I also want to thank other countries who have sent firefighters to assist our own. To those who have come from United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and France to help fight these fires: We appreciate your help, and we are so grateful”, he said.
Tens of thousands of people in communities across the country have been forced to evacuate as firefighters battle to contain the blazes that have scorched more than 3.8 million hectares (9.4 million acres) so far.
The Canadian government said on Wednesday that more than 400 wildfires were burning across the country, including 239 that were considered out of control. More than 20,000 people remained displaced as a result of the blazes.
As of Wednesday morning, nearly 160 wildfires were burning in the province of Quebec alone, where thousands of residents have been ordered to leave their homes in the western Abitibi-Temiscamingue region.
But the wildfires have hit many places across Canada since May from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick on the east coast to Alberta. British Columbia and the Northwest Territories in the west.