Alberta Firefighters Arrive in California Ready for Wildfire Battle

Forty type-1 wildland firefighters from Alberta, including one from Fort McMurray, have arrived in California to assist in battling the unprecedented wildfires threatening Los Angeles and surrounding areas. The team joins with other contingents from British Columbia dispatched to aid in the ongoing battle.

Canada has also contributed two additional CL-415 water bombers, known for their effectiveness in wildfire suppression, and prepared other resources to be ready to support California’s firefighting operations.

Earlier this week, strong winds whipped up flames and caused spotting which challenged suppression efforts. The winds have since abated somewhat, but the death toll from the disaster continues to climb. At least 27 people have lost their lives since the fires began.

Officials say tens of thousands of people in Los Angeles County remain under evacuation orders, and curfews are in effect for some areas threatened by the fires.