Quintana Roo Firefighters Join Mission to Combat Wildfires in Canada

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Sixteen firefighters from Quintana Roo have been selected to join the Mexican contingent traveling to Canada to help combat the wildfires that have been affecting the country for several weeks.

The firefighters are members of Section 39 of the National Union of Workers of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SNTSEMARNAT) in Quintana Roo.

Once in Canada, they were deployed to firefighting efforts in Abbotsford, British Columbia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario.

In a statement, Section 39 of the union recognized the effort and dedication of the Quintana Roo firefighters sent to Canada.

“Reaching this mission has not been a matter of chance; behind it are hours of training, evaluations, physical demands, field experience and, mainly, the commitment to always be prepared to serve where most needed,” the statement said. “We also know that each mobilization means leaving behind their families, their homes and their land for a time to take on a task that demands strength, professionalism and courage. That is why their participation has special meaning and deserves our full recognition.”

“The Local Executive Committee of Section 39 of SNTSEMARNAT wants to tell you that we feel deeply proud of you,” the statement added. “Today you carry with you not only your experience and knowledge, but also the name of Quintana Roo and Mexico.”

These firefighters are part of a fourth contingent now integrated into the firefighting operations currently underway in Canada.

With this deployment, a total of 400 members of the National Forestry Commission (Conafor), state governments, civil protection agencies and other brigades are now participating in the international mission.

Canada currently has more than 600 active wildfires, and the country is at National Preparedness Level 5, meaning all available resources are in use. As a result, the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre is requesting international resources.