More Kiwi firefighters to help battle Canadian blazes
Photo:
RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
New Zealand is again sending more fire fighters to Canada to help battle raging wildfires, which have burned through 6 million hectares of land.
Tens of thousands have had to evacuate from fires across the country since they began
breaking out in May
.
Fire and Emergency (FENZ) said it had received a formal request for assistance from its Canadian counterpart and would send four more firefighters to join the 50
already there
.
It first sent a small, specialist crew at the start of July, and followed it up a week later with a
larger group of volunteer firefighters
.
The existing deployments were in Manitoba province, while the new group - which included three taskforce leaders and a helicopter co-ordinator - would go to Alberta, FENZ said.
In a statement, Deputy National Commander Steph Rotarangi said the winter conditions meant New Zealand was well-placed to provide international support.
"It's an opportunity for our specialists to learn from the experience and utilise their skills in challenging conditions," she said.
"It's a long, hard slog for their crews, so our team heading over will help provide relief and respite for the teams that have been battling these fires for a long time."
Across Canada in early August 2025, there were 747 active fires, including 64 in Alberta.
Photo:
AFP
The new deployment would link up with Australians as part of a larger group.
"I wish to thank them for answering the call and spending a significant period of time away from their loved ones who will be holding the fort at home," Rotarangi said.
"I would also like to thank the team already in Canada, who have been working incredibly hard and achieving great results over the past three weeks."
Across Canada, there were 747 active fires, including 64 in Alberta.
Climate change has been contributing to a longer, hotter and more severe wildfire season
in the country
.
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More Kiwi firefighters to help battle Canadian blazes
Fire and Emergency said it had received a formal request for assistance from its Canadian counterpart. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone New Zealand is again sending more fire fighters to Canada to help battle raging wildfires, which have burned through 6 million hectares of land. Tens of thousands have had to evacuate from fires across the country since they began breaking out in May . Fire and Emergency (FENZ) said it had received a formal request for assistance from its Canadian counterpart and would send four more firefighters to join the 50 already there . It first sent a small, specialist crew at the start of July, and followed it up a week later with a larger group of volunteer firefighters . The existing deployments were in Manitoba province, while the new group - which included three taskforce leaders and a helicopter co-ordinator - would go to Alberta, FENZ said. In a statement, Deputy National Commander Steph Rotarangi said the winter conditions meant New Zealand was well-placed to provide international support. "It's an opportunity for our specialists to learn from the experience and utilise their skills in challenging conditions," she said. "It's a long, hard slog for their crews, so our team heading over will help provide relief and respite for the teams that have been battling these fires for a long time." Across Canada in early August 2025, there were 747 active fires, including 64 in Alberta. Photo: AFP The new deployment would link up with Australians as part of a larger group. "I wish to thank them for answering the call and spending a significant period of time away from their loved ones who will be holding the fort at home," Rotarangi said. "I would also like to thank the team already in Canada, who have been working incredibly hard and achieving great results over the past three weeks." Across Canada, there were 747 active fires, including 64 in Alberta. Climate change has been contributing to a longer, hotter and more severe wildfire season in the country . Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
