Yes, the U.S. is sending firefighters to Canada to battle wildfires
Share this @internewscast.com

Hundreds of U.S. firefighters are in Canada as more than half of the country’s active fires are listed as burning “out of control.”

Wildfires burning in Canada have displaced tens of thousands of people in the country and blanketed parts of the U.S. in smoke, leading to poor air quality. 

More than half of the 428 active fires burning in Canada are listed by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center as “out of control.” 

Stel asked VERIFY if the U.S. is sending firefighters to help battle the Canadian wildfires.

THE QUESTION

Is the U.S. sending firefighters to Canada to battle wildfires?

THE SOURCES

THE ANSWER

This is true.

Yes, the U.S. is sending firefighters to Canada to battle wildfires.

WHAT WE FOUND

Hundreds of U.S. firefighters and other personnel are working alongside Canadian firefighters to battle wildfires in the country.

President Joe Biden said in a statement that “more than 600 U.S. firefighters, support personnel and firefighting assets” have been deployed to Canada since May. Biden spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on June 7 to offer any additional help that the country needs to put out the wildfires.

In addition, the president said he’s “directed the National Interagency Fire Center to respond promptly to Canadian requests for additional firefighters and fire suppression assets, such as air tankers.” 

Some of the firefighters deployed to Canada are from East Coast states that have been hit hard by poor air quality as smoke from the wildfires drifts into the U.S. 

A team of forest rangers with New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is deploying to eastern Canada to help contain wildfires, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on June 8.

Hochul’s office said the New York team will join firefighters from New Hampshire and Maine in the Canadian province of Quebec, where more than 100 fires are burning.

Prior to Hochul’s announcement, another DEC forest ranger was sent to Nova Scotia to serve as the crew boss of a group of firefighters from Connecticut, New Hampshire and Maine. 

These two missions mark the first time that New York forest rangers have been deployed to Canada to fight wildfires since 2005, according to Hochul’s office.

“DEC Forest Rangers are world-class wildland firefighters and bring a wealth of knowledge to assist our partners in Canada,” New York DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “Oftentimes, they’re traveling out west where we only see the effects of the fire on TV. This time, we’ve been feeling the effects for days. Their work will be instrumental in helping lead the firefighting efforts and we look forward to their safe return.”

Canada has also helped the U.S. battle wildfires over the years, providing fire managers, large air tankers, water scoopers, smokejumpers and wildland fire crews, the National Interagency Fire Center said in 2016. 

If you live in an area that’s impacted by poor air quality due to wildfire smoke, you can read six ways to protect yourself here.

The VERIFY team works to separate fact from fiction so that you can understand what is true and false. Please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter, text alerts and our YouTube channel. You can also follow us on Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Learn More »

Follow Us

Want something VERIFIED?


Text: 202-410-8808

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Gunman robs Clay County Waffle House

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. — Clay County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help identifying…

MAFS UK's Nathanial Valentino claims he was 'manipulated' by show bosses into marrying transgender bride Ella Morgan as he reveals SHOCKING behind the scenes details from the 'sham' series

Married At First Sight UK star Nathanial Valentino has claimed he was…

Michael Symon launches River Roots Barrel Co.

Michael Symon will be at Minotti’s Wine and Spirits liquor store in…

Katy Perry's father said he forgives Russell Brand for dumping the popstar after their brief 14 month marriage

Katy Perry’s father said he forgives Russell Brand for dumping the popstar…

Engine problem near Kelley’s Island forces Goodtime I to be towed back to land

KELLEYS ISLAND, Ohio — The Goodtime I passenger boat needed to be…

75-YEAR-OLD woman who has been forced to move into a VAN because she can't afford rent – despite working full time – lays bare brutal reality of her lifestyle, from desperately scrimping for food to using a tiny STOVE for heat

A 75-year-old woman has revealed she was forced to move into a…

TX Border Sheriff: Problem We’ve Had for ‘Two Years’ Is ‘Getting Worse’ and We’re Getting ‘Nothing’ from Feds

On Friday’s edition of NBC’s “Top Story,” Maverick County, TX Sheriff Tom…

Texas prisoner accused of killing 22 women is slain by cellmate

DALLAS () — A Texas inmate accused of killing 22 older women…

Cleveland Browns vs. Tennessee Titans Week 3: Preview, point spread, how to watch

The Cleveland Browns return home to face the Tennessee Titans in their…

Biden grapples with concerns over young Black voter support

The Biden administration is looking to ramp up support among young Black…

NASA’s first asteroid samples land on Earth after release from spacecraft

The pristine samples from deep space are believed to be leftover building…

My Mum, Your Dad stars Roger and Janey confirm they're still together with cosy Instagram photos following ITV show's emotional finale

My Mum, Your Dad stars Roger Hawes and Janey Smith have confirmed…