NIFC mobilizes fire resources to provide support for Canadian wildfires

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) is coordinating firefighting support to Canada, according to a recent news release.

Due to above-normal fire activity in Canada, the National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (NMAC) at NIFC, is working with wildland fire agencies to fill requests for two 15-person incident management teams, three interagency resource representatives and 10 hand crews to assist with wildfire suppression efforts in Alberta.

“We are fortunate to be in a position to help our neighbors to the North during this critical time,” said Jeff Arnberger, NMAC Chair. “Through our long-standing arrangement and excellent relationship, Canada has supported the United States in sharing firefighting personnel when we needed it the most. We are proud to answer their call for help and provide these much-needed resources.”

Wildland firefighters from the U.S. started traveling this week and are expected to arrive in Edmonton, Alberta over the weekend.

Before heading out on the fire line, U.S. personnel will receive a safety orientation that includes a rundown of the current wildfire situation, including weather conditions. The firefighters are expected to complete a two-week assignment in Canada and then return to the U.S.

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