More than 300 Mexican firefighters and technical personnel specializing in forest fires have travelled to British Columbia (B.C.), Canada, to support emergency efforts during the intense wildfires that have led to the evacuation of more than 20,000 people in the areas of Summerland and Peachland.
The Mexican teams arrived in separate contingents during the first few days of August, with the first group, comprising more than 100 people, arriving in Abbotsford on Aug. 3, and more than 200 crew arriving subsequently. A fourth delegation left on Sunday.
We’re beyond grateful to our friends and partners in Mexico for sending hundreds of firefighters to B.C.
They’re joining a team of roughly 2,000 wildfire service personnel who are working tirelessly to get these fires under control. pic.twitter.com/5i8vFQFStr
— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) August 6, 2026
Groups are deployed primarily throughout Fraser Canyon and the Thompson/Okanagan region, where they are participating in firefighting and control operations.
The contingent also features an incident management team, marking the first from Mexico to be deployed to B.C. under the mutual aid agreement between the two countries.
The tasks that the Mexican crew carry out include direct fire attack and the extinguishing of hot spots using hand tools and pumps, as well as reconnaissance and monitoring of areas where heat persists. They also participate in felling trees deemed hazardous and installing equipment to ensure a water supply during suppression operations.
B.C. Premier David Eby recognized the crew’s work and gave a welcoming speech as one of the contingents arrived at the airport.
“Mexico heard the call and, as you can see, has stepped up in a significant way,” Eby said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar said that he felt proud of the firefighters’ joint work.
“I’m proud of the wildland firefighters from Canada and Mexico who are not thinking about borders but are answering the call, as we do when our neighbours need us,” Parmar said.
Mexico’s envoys are made up of experienced personnel from the National Forestry Commission (Conafor), the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp), state and municipal environmental agencies, Civil Protection, rural fire management brigades and civil society organizations.
The arrival of the firefighting crews comes as B.C. faces more than 100 active wildfires spanning 156 square kilometers. In addition to Mexico, British Columbia has received support from Australia, New Zealand and other Canadian provinces and territories.
With reports from Now Toronto, Publimetro, CBN Noticias and the CBC
