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"While many Canadians are enjoying the summertime as a relaxing moment for vacation, NUPGE wildland firefighters are working to protect lives and property." — Larry Brown NUPGE President
Vancouver (20 July 2021) — With the wildfire season well under way in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario, once again courageous NUPGE wildland firefighters from across Canada are heading directly into harm's way to protect their fellow citizens.
The largest and most dangerous fires are in B.C. where wildfire crews together with crews from across Canada and Mexico are working on more than 300 blazes, with a significant focus on controlling a 5,000-hectare fire near Ashcroft in the province's central interior.
Almost a third of the current 306 active fires are in the Kamloops region, according to provincial data. There are also significant wildfires burning in the Prince George fire region and in the province's southeast.
In Ontario according to provincial sources, there are over 100 active fires in the northwest region, of which 30 are not under control, 8 were being held, 20 fires were under control and 43 fires were being observed.
NUPGE fire crews from other Canadian provinces, and crews from USA and Mexico
A contingent of Mexican firefighters has been deployed to aid British Columbia’s fire effort. The 100 fire fighters are the first international crew to come to B.C.’s aid and are expected to arrive in Abbotsford July 24. They will be deployed to work on fires in the Interior under the direction of B.C. Wildfire Service.
Firefighters from New Brunswick, Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec are already active in B.C., as well as experts from Parks Canada.
New Brunswick’s Department of Natural Resources confirmed 47 firefighters and support staff are in British Columbia to help.
From Nova Scotia there are about two dozen firefighters to assist with the wildfires that are burning out of control in Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia. Wildland firefighters with the Department of Lands and Forestry and one agency representative are working alongside other crews to gain control of the forest fires (novascotia.ca).
In Ontario there are currently 10 volunteers from Quebec, over 100 firefighters and staff from Mexico, 9 firefighters from Wisconsin, one firefighter from Prince Edward Island, 6 firefighters from Nova Scotia, 3 firefighters and one staff member from New Brunswick, as well as 7 firefighters from Newfoundland assisting the province of Ontario.
Courage in the face of danger
"While many Canadians are enjoying the summertime as a relaxing moment for vacation, NUPGE wildland firefighters are working to protect lives and property," said Larry Brown NUPGE President. "We sincerely thank them and our comrades from the USA and Mexico for their courage and dedication in the face of this great danger."