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BC Wildfire Service Sends Team to Assist California Wildfires
The BC Wildfire Service has responded to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles by dispatching a senior management team, following a request from California’s fire authorities. This collaboration reflects the supportive relationship between the two regions during emergencies.
British Columbia’s Premier David Eby announced the team’s imminent departure via social media, emphasizing the commitment to help a neighboring province in distress. “We’re also working to send ground crews as part of a national response,” Eby stated, reinforcing the idea of mutual assistance during crises.
In a communication on Thursday, B.C. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar revealed that Cal Fire had specifically sought out expertise from British Columbia’s wildfire management team, highlighting the need for senior-level support in combating the intense fires.
National Support for California’s Wildfire Crisis
On the same day, federal Defence Minister Bill Blair confirmed the deployment of Royal Canadian Air Force resources to aid in the firefighting efforts. Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan also announced that several provinces, including Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta, would send 250 firefighters and various aerial and ground equipment to assist in the battle against the flames.
As the situation escalates, assistance from Canadian forces is crucial. Already, aircraft from British Columbia and Quebec are providing vital support to U.S. firefighting crews. However, challenges remain; a Quebec water bomber was temporarily grounded after colliding with a drone operating illegally in the fire vicinity.
Firefighters have faced relentless conditions, struggling against flames that have claimed the lives of ten individuals and destroyed an estimated 10,000 homes. Over 153,000 residents have been forced to evacuate due to the fires’ aggressive spread.
The financial toll of this disaster is projected to be staggering, with estimates reaching approximately $50 billion, underscoring the severity of the impact on families, communities, and economies in the region.
As the situation develops, the cooperation between the provinces demonstrates a strong commitment to emergency response and solidarity in the fight against devastating wildfires.
Source
globalnews.ca