Canada and the U.S. will fight wildfires together
The countries have signed an agreement to strengthen mutual assistance in disaster relief.
Canada and the United States have signed an agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation between nations in fighting wildfires. The agreement between NNatural Resources Canada and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and the Interior outlines procedures for sharing resources to fight wildfires and sets the stage for the two countries to join forces in mutual assistance and cooperation.
"Our top priority will always be keeping Canadians safe. Today's arrangement with the United States will ensure effective co-operation through knowledge — and resource-sharing, advancing our joint efforts to protect livelihoods and communities from wildfires, on both sides of the border." — Canada's Minister of Natural Resources said in a statement to the press.
Representatives from both countries say the agreement will allow for a productive exchange of resources to fight fires. However, the main goal is to protect the citizens and residents of North America. It is also expected that support will be given first to the regions of both countries most in need of assistance. To achieve this, the plan is to improve wildfire prevention, research, innovation, technical cooperation and risk reduction.
"The United States and Canada have a long history of working together to fight wildfires across North America. This arrangement builds on this proud history to improve how we co-operate at all levels to meet the growing wildfire threat. As climate change continues to threaten communities, infrastructure, forests and rangelands, finding new ways to work together is essential." — U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said.
The wildfire situation this year in Canada has set some sad records. More than 2,700 fires occurred in the country, according to the report. Firefighters from all over the world, including hundreds of Americans, volunteered to help Canada fight the wildfires.
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