The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is stepping up and sending aid to their neighbors up north, as more than 200 firefighters have crossed the Canadian border to help combat the rampaging wildfires in Alberta and Saskatchewan. According to DNR's recent announcement, the dispatched teams include eight contracted 20-person hand crews, a DNR 20-person hand crew, a DNR 10-person hand crew, and a strike team of engines and leadership personnel.
George Geissler, DNR’s State Forester and Deputy Supervisor for Wildland Fire Management, highlighted the significance of transnational agreements, stating, "This is a great example of why regional compacts and state-to-state agreements are such a vital part of wildfire suppression preparation and response." Geissler's words shed light on the reciprocal nature of the firefighting assistance; just last month, Canada had provided aerial support for fires on the Washington side of the border.
The Washington State Fire Service is also joining hands with the DNR by providing additional personnel to an ad hoc NW Compact incident management team that is operating in Alberta. Dave Upthegrove, Commissioner of Public Lands, emphasized the importance of mutual support in times of disaster. "Wildfires and climate change don’t recognize borders, which is why it’s critically important we’re able to provide our neighbors the certainty we’ll be there to help when they need it most," Upthegrove expressed pride in his team's readiness to assist Alberta and Saskatchewan, reaffirming the collaborative spirit shared across the borderline.
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