Canada On Fire: Fighting the Largest Canadian Wildfire in Recorded History | Foreign Correspondent

Canada is in the grip of one of the worst forest fires in recorded history. In recent days, tens of thousands of people in British Columbia were evacuated, as the Canadian government deployed its armed forces to deal with the crisis.
Most residents of Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories have also fled their homes. An area of almost 14 million hectares has been scorched by more than 6,000 separate wildfires burning all over the country since late April. Almost 5,000 thousand international firefighters have already been flown in - including several hundred Australians.
This week Foreign Correspondent travels to British Columbia and Alberta where a desperate battle is underway to save lives and homes. Reporter David Lipson goes inside the fireground to see firsthand how a nation better known for snow and ice is coping with the fire catastrophe.
He meets the Canadian smoke jumpers who parachute into difficult terrain to fight fire fronts in remote locations.
He also spends time in the makeshift camps that have become home to fire crews from around the world including the Australians - many of whom are veterans of Australia’s Black Summer.
The comradery within the camps helps with the challenges of the difficult work they face and when the Australians leave to face their own summer fire season, they know the Canadians will be ready and willing to return the favour.
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[@tannergoodwin-kr6rk]

I’m northern cree from cold lake Alberta. My family is in bc and I lived in Yellowknife for some time. I cannot express how important and amazing the contribution of these brave people is. I can also say it sends chills up my spine seeing the African group dancing and singing in lands that have been danced on for many years by my people. All are welcome here that work together to protect the land. Thank you.

[@paddyholly2184]

❤❤❤

[@SueFerreira75]

As a British Columbian, thank you, thank you to all the firefighters, both Canadian and International, who bravely fight our fires in BC and from sea to shining sea.

[@R.E.A.L.I.T.Y]

Billions for tanks, fighters, missiles, for stupid human war. Pennies to fight this war.

[@bruceh92]

As a Canadian not affected by the fires, a huge and heartfelt thank you to all the amazing people abroad who came here and put their lives on the line in this massive effort. Thank you all and God bless.

[@paulclissold1525]

My friend is on notch hill.

[@scottanderson3751]

All they way in England and i AM affected by the fires in Canada-it’s about time you woke up and smell the coffee ✌️

[@Aitherious]

@@scottanderson3751 How are you affected all the way over the pond?

[@XenaBe25]

@@scottanderson3751 Wake up and smell the coffeee? Are you talking about the "arson" hypothesis? I suspect that, as well. I mean... Yellowknife. The climate there is not the type that lends itself to wildfires from what I understand. Alberta, maybe. Even here in Ontario, it was unusually hot and dry. But wildfires in NWT are suspicious.

[@pinlight97]

@@scottanderson3751by “not affected” we as Canadians mean we aren’t evacuated, our homes are not near zones in danger. I have, earlier this year, had smoke impact my area from Quebec fires. To say “I am impacted” when other Canadians have lost everything or are still evacuated with no way to know what they’re going back to, is kind of a slap in their face. Anyway, be kind…it isn’t that hard, y’know.

[@Big-qy5iz]

I watched this documentary from the USA. I’m very proud of every country and person who has come together to help Canada. I’m deeply saddened by all of the loss and uplifted by how strong the communities are. My prayers are with the firefighters, police, volunteers, every life lost and affected, stay safe BC.

[@cavelleardiel]

We have lost 3 young people who were working the fires too. Thank you to all of those who are helping us from our own Canadians and those from other parts of the world.

[@maureenstevens6824]

❤Love and prayers from USA.

[@pbure94]

I live near Kelowna and the fires here were insane. Firefighters are absolute heroes. Makes me emotional thinking about how much they did for us. Thank you to all the Aussies who came to our need. I hope our firefighters do the same for you.

[@NotoriousEmu]

The common conspiracy at the beginning of this fire season was that firefighters were setting the fires so they could make money. That one was rage inducing. Most of these firefighters are volunteer and if paid, its not much. My Brother in Law was away from his family for weeks fighting the fires on the east coast because that is what he volunteered to do. They are putting their lives at risk to save our forests and homes. Its an incredibly dangerous job and can have lasting health effects. Our firefighters deserve respect for what they do.

[@wildwheelsdarin]

Except for the fact that people have been arrested for starting fires. Not firefighters, but activists. The conspiracy is that the Canadian government is paying activists to start fires to push the climate catastrophe agenda.

[@E.Fraser68]

From High Prairie Alberta Canada. We thank you from our hearts. East Prairie fire was so bad, and some homes were lost, thank fully no lives. A local fireman was injured badly. Thank you again for what you do ❤❤❤❤

[@paddyholly2184]

❤❤❤

[@mckessa17]

Thank you to all fire fighters from Australia and elsewhere who are helping us.

[@maureenstevens6824]

The south Africans are awesome bringing a little joy and light to such a disaster !!!! ❤ love and prayers for all of these brave fighters !!!!

[@shellbell123reid4]

As a resident of Fort McMurray, during the 2016 Beast fire, I just want to say thank you to all the firefighters who risked their lives fighting that fire and to those who are risking their lives to fight the fires now. ❤❤ And to the arsonists starting these fires, I hope you burn in hell some day.

[@wildwheelsdarin]

Those who have been arrested need to be held criminally responsible... but I do I like the idea of giving them a water pistol and placing them in the path of a raging fire!

[@elaineg60]

As a retired physician who started my career in EMS; my heart is with the millions of firefighters & EMS risking their lives up there right now-and their families. ❤ And to those families who have lost everything…💔🥰🙏🏼

[@MrBetc]

Watching from Ontario, a huge heartfelt Thankyou to all fighting the Canadian wildfires. Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of those who gave their lives fighting the fires. All those affected are in our prayers.

[@jensingerlady]

I got choked up thinking of how many care about my home province of Alberta. I’m an expat living in the US, and so grateful to all the firefighters, bless their hearts, for coming form all over the world to help.

[@jlt131]

So much appreciation for all forest fire fighters helping us out right now, especially those that drop everything and come from other countries. You are all amazing people.

[@WarrenPostma]

To all our international firefighting help especially from South Africa, Australia, and the USA, thank you. -- Canada

[@gmm3080]

I cried throughout the entire film. Partly because of sadness for all the horrors and the devastation that have come to so very many people, partly because of the prevailing spirit of the victims and their families, the heartiness of the people that shows that the human spirit cannot really be broken, partly because of the coming-together of firefighters from all over the world. All that is good and wholesome doing its very best to make all the wrongs right again. My heart and my prayers go out to all the brave firefighters across the globe, all the courageous and daring individuals that saved so many lives on a smaller scale, and who often go unnoticed, and, of course, to all the people who have been displaced, who have lost everything they had, who will take a long time to heal, but who ultimately will be restored, and hopefully even better things come to them from here on forward. None of you are forgotten, even though we do not know your names. Like an amazing police officer in Tacoma, WA, once told me after a terrible violation against me, where I felt shocked and like noone cared: You are valuable, don't ever think you're alone in this. You matter to ME, because I have sworn an oath to protect all that is just and right. Without his words I would have drowned in darkness at the time. So I would love to pass these words on to everybody out there: You all matter greatly, you are all extremely valuable, and people DO care. There's always someone who DOES. Be safe, be well, stay strong. Lots of love to everybody!

[@paddyholly2184]

Thank You for expressing what I'm feeling too. A combination of gratitude, heartache and a strong desire to help.

[@gmm3080]

Yes, and it can make one feel so helpless. I had this crazy idea I should start baking cakes for our local fire department. As a general thank you for their ongoing and continued work and support they give to the community when things happen. I feel they are not appreciated enough, anywhere. Usually only during times of distress, and then, when things are back to normal, the appreciation also decreases again. Humans are so weird sometimes. After watching this video I found a site that monitors air quality globally. It does NOT look good almost everywhere. Guam had the world's best air quality! Impressive. I live in western WA, and we are surrounded by fire smoke coming to us from all directions, depending on how the wind shifts. It's awful. Turkey is on fire as well. The pictures from there were extremely disheartening. I now dread every year June through end of October. @@paddyholly2184

[@karendavis5938]

To all the firefighters that have put their lives on the line from Australia South Africa and everywhere in between thank you thank you thank you I am not one of the affected however I am a Canadian who appreciates everything you all are doing you are all heroes and to the young lady's family who lost her life my heart cries for you but you can take solace in knowing that she was a hero absolute hero the world is a worse place without your daughter

[@RebeccaTurner-ny1xx]

Governments of all political stripes in Canada have razed fire prevention, firefighting and other emergency relief budgets to the bone to pay for imperialist wars against Russia and China and feed the corporate profit-gouging at the expense of the well-being and safety of working people.

[@paddyholly2184]

I share the same emotions and gratitude that you so eloquently shared. Massive Love and Admiration for all our Protectors. Hearts 💕💕

[@anydaynow01]

I can imagine a movie being made about this disaster to honor the folks who gave so much to save Canada!

[@XenaBe25]

@@paddyholly2184 Me too. Every time I catch somebody in a comments section claiming to be Canadian and saying rude things about Americans, I give them sh!+, now 😉 I've always loved Americans. Even more so, now. And Aussies. And now I've had another chance to watch the South Africans make their beautiful music. I must visit soon. I hear Johannesburg has a great blues scene. Thank you all.

[@Carolina-uf2ip]

As a Canadian I want to thank every compassionate person who has come to help. The world is so cruel yet you see this and your heart warms. You will never be forgotten

[@zx7gp]

What you need to know is 20 billion spent on F35 jet fighters.....0 on new water bombers.

[@mychannel5628]

Washingtonians are with you Canada 🇺🇸🌲🇨🇦 It’s devastating to see these wildfires get worse each summer. You will overcome this!! ❤️

[@samaipata4756]

I like to express my utmost gratitude to all those firefighters!

[@hirdeshbajwa8906]

I am a guy from Prince George and seeing my city come there on international news was chilling. Also had no idea that so many firefighters came from around the world to help. Thats awesome and i am grateful!

[@RaisedxFist]

This is nothing new.

[@maureenmunro2826]

Thank you for this. I live in Canada on Vancouver Island and I have to say this is the best reporting I have seen.

[@paddyholly2184]

Right? I love Australian broadcasting! Also, They aren't plagued by the ridiculous negativity and misinformation that CBC and Global News get from the Anti-Everythings. I'm hoping this will get through to my Many FB friends in The States that are just as concerned and caring as we are. Kudos ABC!!!

[@rig4365]

​@@paddyholly2184they are one in the same

[@voulathomacos-lagonas8445]

From here in Greece where we've had over 500 fires ....my heart weeps .. I pray that they soon put out

[@kotexconnection3804]

we use fire fighters because prayer does nothing

[@karynoleary3580]

​@@kotexconnection3804 Of course these brave men & women firefighters are doing this harrowing work but I believe they are being sustained through prayer, granting them the courage, resilience, selflessness and all that is required to enable them to do what they do. Whether it's from their own prayers or those of others. Please don't disrespect people's faith. Prayer is very powerful, I experience it as I face the challenges in my life daily. I wish you, all those affected by these devastating occurrences throughout the world, and all those helping, the very best. Kindest Regards from Ireland ☘

[@gosiagorecka3454]

So sorry for your loss! So grateful for all the help and support!

[@danieljohn560]

What a wonderful piece of journalism. Even as someone from these areas, it gave me a totally different persepective. Bravo.

[@pieman3141]

BC resident here: I salute all firefighters.

[@ickiedeer-lamb7282]

We sure appreciate the help. God bless those who flew in to help us here in Canada 😢

[@kotexconnection3804]

your imaginary friend shouldn't of started the fires

[@jansetiquette1614]

Thank you Australia! ❤ You went through horrors in 2020.

[@unagaviota]

Being in Washington state, just feels like we're surrounded by this devastation, esp after Maui and now you have BC evacuating thousands. Stay strong Canada

[@ShaunaUzelman]

I thank each and every one of you for all you have done for my country during this horrible time.

[@kraftykatty]

So moving 😢 Extraordinary journalism 👏

[@paddyholly2184]

ABC (Australian not American) broadcasting ranks in the Top 5 for Proffessional and REAL news information. I feel empathy for so many of the individuals in this film. I Wish I could take some of the heartbreak off these peoples backs and hearts. Sending Hugs 🤗 Love 💞 and Prayers 🙏 for healing. Special gratitude to the South African's for lifting our spirits with your songs, dances and your genuine smiles. I live in the Okanagan Valley and there are fruit pickers here from Mexico, South Africa and many other countries, too. I always stop and say Thank You when I see them in the grocery stores. ❤

[@samleeintrospective]

That poor familly. When the dad says 'pardon my tears', just wanna give the guy a hug.

[@suthious]

I'm a Canadian in Central Ontario...this year we ave had many smoke and fire issues...we were all ok in the end...when i saw this was a story by abc i thought it was about the american outlook on the fires in the west here....this brought me to the edge of tears...Thank You all at ABC

[@pinlight97]

THANK YOU for all the firefighters coming to Canada from around the world! I’m in an area not impacted but have never seen a season like this ever, and we definitely get wildfires each summer. Last year when visiting BC for my first time, I could not believe how dry the conditions were, nor how uncharacteristically hot it was there. We welcome you all! You rock! Only together as a global people do we make change. ❤️

[@daneneedoba8930]

Speaking as a canadian not affected currently by fires. My heart goes out to everybody effected. I am also proud that people from around the world can band together to fight these fires, they are doing an amazing job. Theres a practice site next to my work

[@TheCanadiangirl4]

Fantastic documentary about our fires. I learned some new things about the situation that wasn't really covered here so thank you for that. Australia (and other southern hemisphere countries) can absolutely count on us to help them if they have a bad fire season. Thank you to everyone who came here to help us fight these terrible fires this year.

[@SamuelDucharme]

They did , 5 years ago or so Australia had a terrible wildfire problem. We sent money and help for them. Give and you’ll receive back!

[@fringeminority3224]

When the government wants to steal your tax money for so-called climate change they will stop at nothing to do it. People need to wake up

[@pinlight97]

I know, eh! It’s so strange to get better news from an Australian doc on KZbin.

[@ADawn]

Thank you to ABC Australia for publishing this extraordinary documentary. Thank you to all Canadian and International firefighters for bravely fighting and putting their lives on the line. My heart goes out to all who are affected. Your courage and resilience are an inspiration to all of us.

[@R.E.A.L.I.T.Y]

They have no RFS volunteer force nor fire trucks in every town. So little equipment to work with.

[@AdrianLeeMagill]

I come from British Columbia. Thank you to all those keeping my country as safe as possible.

[@seawench555]

As an Aussie, I'm So dam bloody proud of everyone of those beautiful, caring, compassionate and Brave Men and Women. Canada were fighting for u and with u, our strength and resilience will win through. RIP that incredibly stoic young Woman and Courageous FireFighter. 🇦🇺🇨🇦😭🏳️‍🌈

[@paddyholly2184]

In Canada we Love our Aussie's and Kiwis'! For decades y'all have come to work in the hospitality industry. My granddaughter married an Aussie (he immigrated to Canada 10 years ago) and he's actually my Favorite member of the family. 🙏 That this season isn't as horrible for y'all down South. Guaranteed that Canada will be there to help.

[@seawench555]

@@paddyholly2184 Thankyou so much for the kind words, we all have to stick together, love each other and care for our beautiful Countries. 🌈🇨🇦🇦🇺

[@carrieanneartsco]

Beautiful documentary spotlighting the global superheroes helping Canada, my beloved country 🇨🇦 the African music goes deep into my heart. We are one village and if we don’t start realizing it soon millions of species will be lost including us. I cry for the displaced animals today.

[@Sparkplug4712]

WoW ... 😢 I couldn't stop crying thru this. God bless you all 🙏❤

[@cre8ivjay]

From Canada, thank you. We need all the help we can get.

[@proxactual]

"Pardon my tears" without a quiver in his voice. Damn, that bloke is a tough nut. I'd love to help him out with funds for some tools if I could

[@paddyholly2184]

I know, eh? I wish our 'Officials' would pump lots of money to these unaffected areas and give that man (and so many more talented people) the tools and supplies To BUILD. We desperately need to build more housing around small towns and communities with existing infrastructure. Then PROTECT those communities with Proven Fire Safe Methods. Logan Lake, BC saved their town and I'm pretty sure same for Yellowknife.

[@masterofcents.8175]

Seems awfully suspicious that a good portion is indigenous land…

[@rig4365]

What are you thinking?

[@debbiekoenig7376]

​@@rig4365I think they want any gas, oil, minerals for themselves.

[@koru9780]

Greed without conscience. That is what is destroying our planet.

[@titovalasques]

True! But we’re all complacent in allowing it to happen.

[@rig4365]

No. It's part if the cycle

[@dianaallen2116]

I don't understand the reason the polic😅e are blocking roads up at Shuswap Lake. People are not allowed their homes and even the lake is blocked from people bringing supplies by boat. What is happening?

[@helenbranconier7686]

A big thank you to the international fire fighters coming to help fight the fires with our firefighters. God bless you all🙏🏻😢❤️✝️

[@chunkyfeatherz7667]

Thank you for coming to help put our fires out! Big Love

[@ShilgenVens]

Spot on description of Alberta, "North Texas". The air has been terrible here this year. My heart breaks for all of the people who have lost their homes and for the forest burned. Thank you to every single fire fighter who has come here to help.

[@heidimueller1039]

And yet your newly elected premier is not sure about climate change.

[@jfbeland690]

Not sure we can fight it by taxing canadians into poverty*@@heidimueller1039

[@RandyVilleneuve1]

In 2014 there was a fire in The North West Territories that burnt roughly 3.4 million hectares. As of Aug. 23rd there have been almost 6000 wildfires in Canada this year, burning a total of roughtly 15.4 million hactares. More forest has burnt than in recorded history, however we have not suffered the largest fire in recorded history this season. Thank you to the fire fighters, some of which have given their lives. :(

[@wildwheelsdarin]

Remember in 2021 when Justin Trudeau promised to train 1000 firefighters and pledged $500 million... more empty promises?

[@jewel58s]

Terrifying how many giant wild fires are burning right now.

[@suehowie152]

I so feel for them..😢 Aroha from 🇳🇿 Kia Ora..

[@Northernnanna]

Why are provincial governments cutting fire fighting budgets drastically ?

[@mindyt5557]

Sincere heart felt thanks to all the fire fighters working so hard to keep us safe. Stay safe. God bless you all and thank you South Africa, USA, Australia and all those from other countries who came to our aide.

[@gailrich5339]

These poor firefighters ,God bless you all .and for all the people that lost their homes .this is so heart breaking ..You are all in my prayers .🙏

[@jlopat]

wish to thank all of the firefighters for all of their diligence and aid to us. Living in Kamloops with smoke and fire near but not on evacuation as yet. we appreciate all of you in our time of need. stay safe, in my prayers daily.

[@Lambo6fo]

Thank you for making this video. Facebook has cut off all Canadian news from Canadian news sources. I am Canadian in an area with no fire. But most people I talk to have no idea about these fires.

[@paddyholly2184]

Even in Canada, some comments to CBC or Global News reporting on the fires, are nasty, mean spirited and full of this QaNonsence QONspiracy Crap. The Anti-Government Anti-Everything Crowd have been programmed to hate what they call 'Legacy News'. This film raised my spirits and gave me even More gratitude and also Compassion for those people who've been displaced. Seeing those people living in those motels for 2 1/2 months really broke my heart. I wish the government would send millions to these talented folks and get them to BUILD. BUILD homes around the areas that are unaffected ... So far.

[@wildwheelsdarin]

All the Canadian news websites work fine. You never needed Facebook to get news. Don't be like Trudeau and blame Meta for the problem he created with bill C18.

[@EddieGNAR]

Aussie here, living in British Columbia. I feel as though the smoke from the fires just this week in Kelowna has damaged my lungs. Every summer, without fail, we face these fires and the suffocating smoke they bring. Enjoy the blue skies while you can, because at any moment during the Summer, catastrophic wildfires could erupt, plunging us into apocalyptic conditions for weeks or even months.

[@jayleeper1512]

I live just south of the border in Idaho. It seems like there are two seasons now, winter and smoke. I too am affected by the smoke and if it gets so I can’t see the 100 meters to the road, which is quite often, I get very ill.

[@CortexNewsService]

Central Illinois here down in the states. Even we've been impacted by the smoke from the Canadian fires. Last month, our entire state, including rural areas, were warned about dangerous levels of smoke. I hope Canada can heal from this.

[@aprilsmith3683]

My heart goes out to every person and every creature on the ground... 🇿🇦🩷🇨🇦

[@anydaynow01]

I can only imagine how devastated the wildlife populations are, if not only from the flames directly but also from habitat loss!

[@aprilsmith3683]

@anydaynow01 An awful scenario...🇿🇦🩷🇨🇦

[@SweetSurrender-qr1ic]

My home community Lee Creek, Shuswap Lake has be hit by historically it's worse fire ever. 😢

[@paddyholly2184]

I vacationed in your beautiful area many times and my heart breaks for you. One huge problem is there's only One Main Road in and out. Plus, Some people don't understand the threat of hot spots and how they can travel underground and Pop Up. 😢 I sure hope you and your community can recover. Love from Vernon 💕.

[@Hochspitz]

Countries coming together, it can be done. I shall never forget the Kiwis that I personally encountered and those I did not when I lost all in Victoria High Country.

[@christinearmington]

❤❤️‍🩹🇨🇦🔥

[@paddyholly2184]

I'm sorry for your loss and trauma. I hope you're rebuilding and recovering well. 💕

[@devildude3651]

Thank you to the men and women who help fight our fires and help keep us safe

[@chronicalcultivation]

I live in western Canada. The air is poison right now. Anyone with lung issues (including myself) are having serious issues dealing with it. I can't imagine how hard it must be for the firefighters who are in the thick of it. I'm fortunate enough to live in a spot where my home won't be burned down, but many others have lost theirs to the blaze. I'm spending most of my time indoors with filtered air. Going outside for even 15 minutes makes me feel like my lungs are tightened up.

[@davediesel9153]

Laser focused.. paint everything blue

[@jesmarco374]

Reminds me of Lahaina a controlled fire town destroyed but forest still standing!

[@Eidelmania]

Space lasers, of course....

[@justmemimi7338]

Wonderful work, ABC. (Please do a report on Lahaina).

[@rodee1671]

I sincerely hope each of these people emerges better than they before. Bless them, Lord.

[@thatsydvicious]

There are still some people from Lytton fires of 2021 living in hotels

[@pambp5978]

The Lytton area is under evacuation this year.. the solution from that location is going to be difficult.

[@mikebasil4832]

I give all my thanks to everybody who are doing everything in their power to fight these terrible fires. I'm so sorry for the losses they've suffered.

[@kikoabril6520]

Wonderful tear jerker of a film. Thanks to everyone you filmed and to your production team. Biggest thanks to young hero Devyn Gale, may you rest in peace. Thanks to all the Canadians and foreign firefighters, you are all wonderful people. Could have watched those S. Africans singing and dancing for hours......

[@whiteclouds9775]

This is my home country first generation Canadian. I prefer the snow and ice .. this is extremely saddening.... wildlife and trees are gone ..

[@jsmmacdld3519]

Yes your 100% right but I can remember when I was young lad 7 or 8 we use to build snow forts in snow grader plowed street the banks would be 8 feet high and now we're luck every year to get a couple of feet of snow then summer's use to get hot but not this humid hot that makes you sweat with out doing anything and only rain now comes with thunderstorms that build up cause of the humidity I think last summer I cut grass 3 times the entire summer this year the snow melted quick and early then no rain and it's every where I can remember spring run off water was so high and dangerous now it's melted faster and gradually with hardly any snow pack it's crazy I still remember schools shutting down at least 5 or 6 times do to snow storms now lucky if kids get one snow day and then you have trump hate to say that but scientists are lying about climate change so he cuts agreements off with world cause he says it's a lie anyway from what your saying and sure whatching like me the weather has changed so drastically and I feel sorry for the younger generation thanks peace

[@just_passing_through]

I know it’s a tragic event, but it restores my faith in humanity that governments from all around the world have banded together to assist. Imagine how much better off the planet would be if we could work together like this every day.

[@rodee1671]

AMEN!.

[@rienzienathanielsz837]

❤❤Upholding Canada in prayer...for the safety of ppl, animals and loved ones...stay safe God bless 🙏

[@colorbugoriginals4457]

the thing that hit me hardest was the sense of community. ❤️ y'all are gonna make it, with each other. i'm so sorry 💔

[@florwhiteman4971]

These men and woman are true heroes ❤

[@marchlopez9934]

Canada is experiencing its worst forest fire in recorded history, with almost 6,000 separate wildfires burning across the country. More than 15 million hectares of thick forest have been scorched, and an international force of firefighters has been flown in to help. The firefighters are working alongside crews from South Africa, Canada and the US, locked in a daily, desperate battle to save homes and lives from the most serious fire threat Canada has ever faced. Clinton Newman, with the rural fire service in Queensland, said the frequency of international deployments and the sharing of resources on the scale seen in the past five to ten years has grown in increasing frequency. The fires have affected all elements of life; beds are hard to come by in towns due to the number of evacuees, and the seasonal workers in timber and oil and gas who normally fill the town's ample motel rooms have been displaced. Indigenous communities have accounted for more than 42% of fire evacuations, with 5% of Canada's population being indigenous.

[@jjjones4982]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the international help

[@ty2k]

Massive respect to the Aussie sprinklies for coming and dousing our flame-o's. On ya!

[@trevor9934]

I am a Canadian/Kiwi living in New Zealand. I am proud that we have a contingent helping in Canada, but I am looking to our own summer with some apprehension, as El Nino will lead to a higher probability of major fires - although that risk is far higher for our close neighbours (both geographically and socially) in Australia. As well as the many human tragedies, there is the relatively unspoken issue of the loss of wildlife and environment. The rapid spread of the fires will have doubtless outpaced many animals and consumed them. Then their is the intensity. As the video demonstrated, the fire burns deep, and now so deep that it burns off the biological layer that results in regeneration, so many places will never be able to regrow as before, or even at all. Finally, all that smoke ends up in the atmosphere, and much will blanket the arctic's snow, making it absorb more heat from the sun and hastening further melting. The cycle is intensifying... I am beyond frustrated at the poor performance of politicians in dragging their feet by delaying the measures that are clearly necessary to mitigate the global disaster looming ever larger and closer. With each year that we delay, the mountain we have to climb to create the conditions for human habitation and survival of our ecology becomes higher and steeper. Governments think about the next election, jobs and the influence of lobby groups from powerful industries like those of fossil fuel suppliers. Yet, each year the budgets they are trying to protect will be eaten away by paying for the impacts of disasters we are experiencing with greater intensity and frequency. At the same time, as a population, we are focused on equally short-term goals, not making the changes in work and lifestyle choices that we need to make to reduce our dependency on oil and gas. We are comforted by the propaganda on social media from pressure groups that there is no disaster, or that climate change is inevitable and nothing to do with humanity. Change will only happen when we use our political power to vote in groups who will do what needs to be done. We are walking into this catastrophe with eyes wide shut.

[@33Donner77]

"They've never seen anything like it" per Canada's Fire Authority. So what / who started the fires?

[@irishcanuck9489]

High percentage are caused by lightening also heat, drought-dryness. Few are caused by arson or carelessness. Also CANADA reports fires as either lightening or human caused, and they do not break down human causes some of which are out of our control being neither arson or human carelessness. We also have invasive species which renders control burns redundant as it doesn't kill the roots of thick growth and allows fires to spread under ground. Also, we haven't changed our fire management practices since 1980. Maybe these fires which are also caused by climate change (heat/drought) are a wake up call to make changes. As they explained much of the fires are underground caused by intense hest. Wind also spreads it. Can't access the boreal forest, no roads, no access. Our tundra, terrain makes it difficult to manage fires let alone fight them.

[@janetpattison8474]

Last year i think it was Australia, Terrible , devastating fires. Thanks to all the heroes from Canada and around the world doing the incredible work of fighting these fires. Stay safe everyone! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@dogie1070]

beyond belief! Canada seems to be the last place I'd expect this to happen! Or that Maui would burn up in minutes...

[@TrevorSchulz666]

This is my home province and every year for the last ten years or so the fire season gets worse and worse every year. I feel for the firefighters working so hard and can’t even make a dent in the cause to slow down the fires. And not to mention the homes and businesses being lost year after year. It’s pretty bad

[@paddyholly2184]

I'm in Vernon, B.C. and 2 years ago we had the heat dome, months of thick smoke, evacuation orders and I was on Evacuation Standby. You're right that the fires are getting worse every year and although I'm safe right now ..... Kelowna and West Kelowna are only an hour away. Much gratitude to the Firefighters and all the Support Staff (including the RCMP) who are fighting the Monsters created by this Climate Catastrophe. 💕

[@AppAxis]

Thanks South Africa 🇿🇦

[@catherineleslie-faye4302]

Many thanks to all the firefighters.

[@ryx5380]

I'm in the NE US and smelling that camp fire smoke smell. Thank you for your help in putting this out!!! Your impact is felt in the states as well.

[@shellyclark5834]

I grew up in the Okanagan and when a fire would break out when I was a kid, they were on it immediately. The winds were not bad at all when the fire started. I thank all those boots on the ground that are risking their lives but the decisions being made by those in authority positions are absolutely idiotic. The planned burn they did in the Shuswap when they knew it was going to be windy is a perfect example of this.

[@LostinAlberta]

Alberta’s got it pretty good compared to BC. It’s a total nightmare there right now.

[@LokiSadie]

Thanks to all the fire fighters involved

[@RebeccaTurner-ny1xx]

Governments of all political stripes in Canada have razed fire prevention, firefighting and other emergency relief budgets to the bone to pay for imperialist wars against Russia and China and feed the corporate profit-gouging at the expense of the well-being and safety of working people.

[@ThatGuy-ot1gt]

It's difficult not to find this infuriating. Particularly since we've been pleading for some sort of action to mitigate climate change and there are still people in power who deny it even exists.

[@andrewthomas695]

I get it. I felt the same. But maybe this is what humanity needs to experience to wake up from its epistemological perspective, and truly change.

[@user-xl2ir1nv9t]

​​​​​​​@@andrewthomas695some will change, some will face Annihilation and some inevitably war because of it It is what it is And the cycle will repeat itself as it always has Though time is ticking And we are behind Because they can not Let Go of old thinking that no longer will be relevant or in a such way it Actually will be our damnation here

[@sherryyyberryyy235]

What should be done?

[@embracedmadness]

@@sherryyyberryyy235change the way we generate energy, invest in new renewable technologies.

[@RebeccaTurner-ny1xx]

@@sherryyyberryyy235 Ending capitalism would be the first step.

[@belindasmith8735]

Thankyou for your service..our heroes

[@jpd9415]

God Bless the South Africans for their spirit. Thank you all countries for helping us here in Canada! God Bless you and bring you strength. Lord have mercy on us humans, animals and insects. All of us are important to ensure our ecosystem can rebuild itself. Amen!

[@cdsonly]

The South African singers gave me the feels

[@chickybluetherealone]

Sending prayers to keep all fire fighters safe and protection shield over you all. God Bless you for helping mother earth fight this fight.

[@BreadLightPray_EWFMgtr]

🇨🇦 may God bless and protect Canada 🇨🇦 🙏

[@dianeivanoff6312]

This is what happens when you stop logging and natural cultivation. Years of brush and stumpage left to build up and dry out, creating an enemy you cant stop.

[@dustyflats3832]

I couldn’t agree more. They need to cut fire breaks. It’s nuts!