Two Ontario waterbombers are still at the ready for possible deployment to California to combat the fires there, while some other Canadian firefighting assets are already on their way.
In a tweet on Saturday, Canada's minister of Emergency Preparedness, Harjit Sajjan said 60 firefighters from Alberta and B.C. were expected to be deployed as early as Sunday.
"Our American friends have asked for help to fight the wildfires in California and Team Canada is responding. The federal government is coordinating efforts with the provinces to deploy resources," said Sajjan.
Waterbombers may be sent from Sault Ste. Marie and Dryden.
Joanna Kanga, press secretary and senior communications advisor for the minister, confirmed in an email that assets must be officially requested by the state government in California before they can be sent.
So far the Canadian government and the the Ontario provincial government have yet to announce any assets from this province, but Ontario is prepared to deploy Incident Command System personnel, two CL-415 waterbombers, wildland and urban firefighters, associated equipment; approximately 200 personnel with about 120 kg of equipment per person.
“Our thoughts are with the people and brave wildland fire and emergency workers who are fighting the devastating wildland fires in California. Ontario stands ready to support our neighbours to the south, and will provide aircraft, personnel and equipment needed to support California," said Graydon Smith, minister of Natural Resources for Ontario.
The provincial Quebec government said on Friday it will send two more firefighting aircraft to California, a day after one of the province’s water bombers collided with a drone while battling the wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area.
In Southern California, flames fanned by high winds have devastated communities including Pacific Palisades and Pasadena.
— with files from The Canadian Press