SA sends over 200 firefighters and management to contain Canadian wildfires
Thousands of people have been evacuated in recent days due to rampant wildfires.
Picture: Pixabay.com
CAPE TOWN - South Africa has sent a team of more than 200 firefighters and management to the Canadian province of Alberta to assist with firefighting and fire suppression efforts.
Thousands of people have been evacuated in recent days due to rampant wildfires.
This will be the sixth deployment by a Working on Fire team to Canada.
Between 2015 and 2023, Working on Fire has been on five deployments to the country, including the historic deployment of 860 firefighters and management in 2023, which was one of the largest deployments of international firefighters to Canada.
The request for urgent assistance came from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre in terms of an existing memorandum of understanding between Canada and South Africa.
The MOU, signed in 2019, provides for the exchange of wildland fire management resources between the two countries.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Dion George has wished the team well.
"Your dedication and courage in answering the call to assist in fighting devastating wildfires are truly commendable. The mission is not just about extinguishing flames, it is about protecting lives, safeguarding homes, and preserving vast natural landscapes."