National

Two Quebec planes and their crews helping fight devastating L.A. wildfires

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 08 Jan, 2025 11:00 AM

A pair of Quebec water bombers and their crews are in California helping fight the massive wildfires tearing through the Los Angeles area.

Stéphane Caron of Quebec's forest fire protection agency — SOPFEU — says the two planes are sent to the U.S. each fall as part of an annual contract, the length of which was extended this year because of the emergency.

He says each plane is dispatched from Quebec with its own crew composed of a pilot, co-pilot and technician.

Thousands of firefighters are battling at least four blazes that have killed at least two people and destroyed more than 1,000 structures across the Los Angeles area as of early this morning.

Quebec Public Security Minister François Bonnardel posted a message of support to California's governor on X, saying the province is ready to send additional firefighters to the state if they are needed.

The provincial Transport Department's website says Quebec has been sending two Canadian-made CL-415 firefighting aircraft and their crews to Los Angeles each year as part of a deal dating back to 1994.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Privy Council to continue anti-racism efforts, clerk says after report release

The head of the federal public service says he is personally committed to "continuous action" to address racism and discrimination in the workplace, following the public release of an internal report that details employees' troubling experiences on the job.

Privy Council to continue anti-racism efforts, clerk says after report release

Fortis BC to launch 10K rebate for homeowners

Fortis B-C is launching a 10-thousand-dollar rebate for homeowners who replace older heating systems with an electric heat pump and high-efficiency gas furnace. The utility says the dual system uses the heat pump for cooling and the furnace for heating, and it will help customers cut both costs and greenhouse emissions.

Fortis BC to launch 10K rebate for homeowners

B.C. toxic drug deaths down 9% in 2024, but six people continue to die each day

British Columbia's Coroners Service says the number of people who have died this year from toxic drug poisoning is down from 2023, but an average of six people are still dying every day from using illicit drugs. The service says it recorded 181 suspected drug poisoning deaths in May and 185 in June, bringing the total number of fatalities in the first half of this year to 1,158.

B.C. toxic drug deaths down 9% in 2024, but six people continue to die each day

Woman rescued off B.C. glacier calls those who braved smoky conditions 'superheroes'

Laurence Desjardins says the wind was loud enough to keep her awake through the night as white ash fell around the tent where she was camping with friends on a glacier in B.C.'s West Kootenay region. They knew they had to leave as quickly as possible.

Woman rescued off B.C. glacier calls those who braved smoky conditions 'superheroes'

Animals, like those in Jasper, know how to dodge wildfires, say biologists

Despite the loss of about a third of the Jasper townsite, including homes and buildings, as well as the sorrow over the destruction of a beloved piece of Canadian landscape, experts say animals know how to protect themselves in a wildfire.

Animals, like those in Jasper, know how to dodge wildfires, say biologists

Wildfire update planned in B.C. as crews battle about 350 blazes

British Columbia's minister of emergency management is scheduled to give an update on the wildfire situation today as some areas in the province cool off while others flare. Bowinn Ma and Forests Minister Bruce Ralston will be joined by staff from the province to give an overview of the wildfire trouble spots in B.C.