When friends come to the rescue
Canada is assisted by hundreds of foreign firefighters.
Hundreds of foreign firefighters have come to Canada to help curb forest fires.
Thursday was in the country:
- 102 French firefighters;
- 327 American firefighters;
- 218 firefighters from Australia;
- 40 firefighters from New Zealand;
- 40 firefighters from Costa Rica;
- 60 Chilean firefighters;
- 200 firefighters from South Africa;
- 80 Spanish firefighters;
- 140 firefighters from Portugal.
Most of them work in Alberta, while Spanish, French and Portuguese visitors save Quebec.
The firefighting community is known for its code of ethics and cosmopolitan attitude. They do not serve a particular nation, but all of humanity, so they often come to the aid of their colleagues from other countries. The firefighters now present in Canada say that protecting this country is as important to them as their home. They are ready to keep working until the danger has passed.
Another reason foreign nations have sent their firefighters to Canada is to learn and share experiences. All countries have different climates and vegetation. In South Africa, for example, there are almost no wildfires. By coping with Canada's problem, Africans will know how to fight similar fires in their own country.
