Minister Bill Blair, responsible for the protection of the population, said during a press conference that about 3.8 million hectares of land went up in flames. That’s 15 times more than the 10-year average, Blair said. “There are currently 414 forest fires raging across the country, of which 239 are no longer under control,” said the minister. The huge eastern province of Quebec is one of the hardest hit provinces.
Quebec Premier Francois Legault previously said the province is capable of fighting 40 fires at once. “But we have 150 fires, so we have to make sure we focus on where the problems are most urgent,” he told reporters.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reported calling U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday to thank him for his “significant support” in firefighting. Hundreds of American firefighters have already arrived in Canada and more are on the way. Aid is also being sent from France, Portugal, Spain and Mexico to extinguish the fires.