The United States has volunteered to assist Canada respond to the destructive wildfires that are still raging throughout the nation and affecting the air quality in the eastern United States.
According to a statement from the White House, President Joe Biden extended the additional support to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a phone discussion between the two leaders on June 7.
The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre estimates that there are now 414 fires burning in Canada, of which 239 are considered to be "out of control."
To date, more than 3.8 million hectares of land have burnt around the nation, including almost 500,000 acres in Quebec alone, which has had a significant negative impact on air quality and sent heavy plumes of smoke into the United States.
Natural Resources Canada predicts that the majority of the nation will continue to see higher-than-normal fire activity in June.
According to the statement, after speaking with Trudeau, Biden instructed his administration to quickly dispatch "all available Federal firefighting assets" to aid in putting out the flames affecting both Canadian and American towns.
According to the White House, the United States has already sent out more than 600 firemen, support staff, and pieces of equipment to help put out the flames in Canada.
According to the summary, Biden and Trudeau also addressed "continued cooperation" to stop new wildfires and deal with the health effects that these disasters have on communities.
“They agreed to stay in close touch on emerging needs,” officials said.
In the meantime, Trudeau's office said that he had praised President Obama for his assistance in putting out the flames, which authorities say were probably accidently sparked by human activity and lightning.
“Prime Minister Trudeau noted that this contribution is yet another example of our two countries’ long-standing cooperation and friendship. The two leaders agreed to remain in close and regular contact,” the readout said.
Shortly after the call, which in an odd coincidence occurred on Canada's National Clean Air Day, Trudeau claimed that "climate change" was to blame for an increase in wildfires.
“These fires are affecting everyday routines, lives and livelihoods, and our air quality,” the Canadian leader wrote. “We’ll keep working – here at home and with partners around the world – to tackle climate change and address its impacts.”
