Firefighters are Canada's new heroes

Wildfires continue to rage in Canada. The country has already declared this year the worst for nature. A record 250 fires nationwide are out of control. People near the hotbed of fire are hurriedly evacuating their loved ones and pets. The rest of us are having a hard time, too: toxic smoke is blanketing entire cities. Now more than ever, Canada is proud of its firefighters.

These people work 14 hours a day without breaks or days off, holding back the raging fire. Many of them haven't been home in a month — they sleep, eat and treat their wounds at work so they don't waste precious time. They have to work with limited resources. In Quebec, for example, they form teams of 12, not 25, to fight large fires.

Firefighters don't just hose down fires or sand them down. Their job is much more complicated and responsible. They pilot planes to scout and spray water, monitor fires around the clock and transmit data about them, analyze atmospheric composition, etc., to predict the future. They also monitor extinguished areas as well. Firefighters say that the absence of visible flames does not mean the danger is over. There are hidden fires, where tree roots, fallen leaves and dry grass burn under a layer of earth. They are still dangerous for people and animals.

For their exploits, firefighters want no reward but the caution of Canadians. For them, the safety of Canadians is more pleasing than thanks and praise. Fires should not be underestimated — they can move 20 kilometers or more in a day. Firefighters ask people to evacuate as early as possible so they don't put themselves or their loved ones in danger.