The Alberta government says 40 wildland firefighters are on their way to California to help battle the flames devastating the Los Angeles area.
Forestry Minister Todd Loewen told reporters Monday that firefighters should be on the ground in the coming days after hitting the road from Edmonton Monday morning.
“They are expected to stay there (for) 14 days, but that could possibly be extended,” Loewen said.
He said additional resources such as water bombers, night vision helicopters and additional firefighters could be deployed if necessary.
“Good neighbors are always there for each other,” Loewen said, adding Alberta is ready to return the favor after 115 firefighters from California came to help during the record-breaking 2023 wildfire season in the province.
“In 2023, California firefighters bravely stood by Alberta in a time of great need,” he said.
“Now Alberta is answering the call and mobilizing to support our friends and partners in the United States. »
Alberta Wildfire crews prepare to depart for California to help fight wildfires in Los Angeles on Monday, January 13, 2025.
Credit: Alberta Wildfires via X
As of Monday morning, at least 24 people had died from wildfires around Los Angeles, which have burned more than 100 square miles 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 missing.
Loewen 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 the deployment of 40 wildland firefighters won’t hamper Alberta as it prepares for the 2025 wildfire season.
“We don’t expect this to put us behind schedule at all,” he said, adding that crews are also currently working on six wildfires in the province.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed gratitude for Alberta’s decision.
“Thanks for heading south to lend a hand, my friends. Canada is behind you all the way,” he said in response to Alberta Wildfire’s tweet (see below.)
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