Mexico City, Mexico — A group of 100 forest fire fighters from the National Forestry Commission have traveled to Canada to join the tasks of fighting forest fire in British Colombia.
Mexico’s Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said Mexico sent the men to support Canada in fighting the country’s fires. “Our country is supportive. A friendly hand with Canada with cooperation we build the future of both countries.”
Canadian ambassador Graeme C. Clark thanked Mexico for the support in battling fires that continue to rage due to the extreme heatwave.
“On behalf of my country, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your invaluable support in this time of need. Thank you for your courage, your commitment and your professionalism. You are a living sample and a great example of the friendship and cooperation that unite Canada and Mexico,” he posted on social media.
At least 180 fires have been registered in the last two weeks in the British Columbia region that have caused the death of hundreds and the evacuation of thousands of families.
In 2017 and 2018, more than 500 forest fire fighters from Mexico were sent to help battle out-of-control forest fires in Canada. After the battle, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau thanked the Mexican envoys for the hard work.
“Thank you to the firefighters and first responders who came from all over the province, the country and the world, including the teams from Mexico, to help the people affected by the fires,” he said with a photo from Conafor.
