Three Fort McMurray firefighters are heading to the United States to help battle the increasing number of wildfires.
They are among a team of 45 individuals with Alberta Wildfire who’re traveling to Oregon this week as the state continues to see multiple fires force thousands of individuals to evacuate.
The three local firefighters were not named.
Oregon, Washington, and California are experiencing one of the worst wildfire seasons.
Fourteen fires are currently active in Oregon – burning over 940,000 acres.
This is equal to around 380,000 hectares which is over half the size of the Horse River wildfire which burned approximately 590,000 hectares. However, nearly all are continuing to grow and have seen little progress on containment.
Alberta Wildfire says all of their firefighters will be following all COVID-19 measures while in Oregon and when they return to Alberta.
Thanks to every one of our 45 Alberta firefighters heading into harm’s way to help those fighting wildfires in Oregon.
Fortunately, we’ve had a mild fire season here, so we are able to lend a hand to those who need it. https://t.co/SMSKNm9FaC
– Jason Kenney (@jkenney) September 15, 2020