Ontario ready to join fight against deadly LA wildfires
Ontario is one of several provinces offering assistance.
In a Thursday news conference, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told reporters 165 provincial firefighters are on stand-by to head to California to assist with the devastating fire emergency that has killed at least ten people and forced more than 100,000 people from their homes.
Ontario is also ready to send two water bombers and their pilots and 20 additional emergency response experts. If needed, up to 300 additional firefighters could also be deployed.
“Our closest friend and our closest ally needs help, and we’re going to make sure we’re going to be there supporting them,” Premier Ford, who called the firefighters battling the uncontrolled blazes "absolute heroes," told reporters.
Ontario joins several other Canadian provinces that have stepped up to help California.
Quebec water bombers
Speaking with the Canadian Press, Stéphane Caron, SOPFEU, Quebec's forest fire protection agency, said the planes travel to the U.S. each fall due to contractual obligations and this year's stay was extended to assist with the emergency.
Quebec Public Security Minister François Bonnardel posted a message of support on X, acknowledging the difficulties Californians are facing.
"[California] governor Gavin Newsom can count on the government of Quebec and the SOPFEU to support him," Minister Bonnarde added.
BC planes 'on the frontline
B.C.-based company Coulson Aviation has sent aircraft, crews, and equipment to assist with the fire emergency.
"Unfortunately, with this particular fire, the wind was so violent and the fire ... had about a three to four-hour head start before any aircraft could get on it, so the whole crew .... have been behind ... on this one from the very start," Coulson Aviation CEO Wayne Coulson told the CBC in an interview.
Alberta joins the fight
Alberta premier Danielle Smith has announced the province will send resources to help California crews, including water bombers and night-vision helicopters.
"Good neighbours are always there for each other in times of need, and we will assist our American friends in any way they need during this crisis," Smith wrote on social media.
"Alberta is also actively working with the federal government and the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) to assess California’s needs."
Header image by Cheryl Santa Maria. Fire photo - file photo via Canva Pro. Doug Ford image: Wikipedia/Joey Coleman CC BY 2.0
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