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More foreign firefighters expected to arrive today to help Canada battle wildfires

June 14, 2023, Canada – More firefighters from abroad are expected to arrive today to help battle Canada’s worst wildfire season of the 21st century.

Approximately 5,000 foreign firefighting personnel are now in active service across Canada.

Quebec’s public safety minister says more reinforcements are to come from Portugal and Spain.

Francois Bonnardel said Tuesday the fire effort has also been bolstered by the arrival this week of two contingents of firefighters from the United States.

Storms across the country could bring much needed rain, but meteorologists say it’s not enough to stop the wildfire threat.

A rainy forecast in Quebec was bringing hope for progress in battling the blazes, as more than 7,200 people remained out of their homes due to fires.

Rain is also in the forecast for a large portion of Western Canada, but thunderstorms and a risk of lightning come along with it.

About 14,000 people remained out of their homes in Alberta.

The current tally for wildfires this year is now at 634 – an increase of 44 since last week – with 375 of those suspected to be caused by humans.