With currently 446 wildfires burning throughout British Columbia, the BC Wildfire Service announced that it will be bringing in additional personnel from abroad to assist in firefighting efforts.
Twenty firefighters from Alberta and 15 firefighters from the Northwest Territories have already arrived as of Thursday.
An additional twenty firefighters and ten support staff from Saskatchewan will arrive on Sunday.
On Monday, a mix of 65 firefighters and support staff from New Zealand and 62 firefighters from Mexico will arrive in the province on Monday, Aug. 6. A group of 25 support staff from Australia will arrive sometime next week.
In addition to personnel, four Canadair CL-415 water-skimming aircraft are being brought in from Quebec to add to the over 150 aircraft that are currently in service.
The BC Wildfire Service says there are over 2,200 people currently engaged in wildfire response.
While there are currently no wildfires of note anywhere on Vancouver Island, the area is still under a campfire ban.
See also:
- Firefighters deployed from B.C. to assist efforts in Ontario and Quebec
- BC Wildfire Service reminds people that drones are prohibited near wildfires
