B.C. welcomes more than 100 firefighters from Mexico amid challenging wildfire season
Posted August 3, 2026 3:50 pm.
More than 100 wildfire personnel from Mexico arrived in British Columbia on Monday to assist with ongoing firefighting efforts as the province battles more than 100 active wildfires.
Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar was at Abbotsford International Airport to welcome the firefighters, who are among approximately 300 personnel expected from Mexico this week.
“In our time of need, I am honoured to welcome more than 100 wildfire personnel from Mexico on Monday with more than 200 arriving later in the week,” Parmar said. “They’ve travelled from their homes to help us protect ours amidst a challenging wildfire season.”
The arrival came as more than 5,000 people have been evacuated from their homes across B.C. due to wildfire activity. Officials said hot, dry conditions and unfavourable weather continue to contribute to wildfire intensity in several regions of the province.
Parmar emphasized the importance of cooperation in wildfire response efforts, noting that support from outside jurisdictions helps ensure adequate resources are available where they are needed most.
“Wildfire response is built on teamwork,” he said. “Whether support comes from within B.C., across Canada or around the world, every person who joins the effort strengthens our response capacity and helps ensure resources are available when and where they are needed most.”
The firefighters from Mexico will be rapidly integrated into BC Wildfire Service operations, officials said, and deployed to areas of greatest need across the province.
“I’m proud of the wildland firefighters from Canada and Mexico who are not thinking about borders but are answering the call, as we do when our neighbours need us,” Parmar said.
The additional crews are expected to bolster firefighting capacity as B.C. continues to respond to a demanding wildfire season.
