New Zealand’s Final Firefighter Returns from Canadian Wildfires

New Zealand’s last firefighter deployed to combat wildfires in Canada has returned home after a more than two-month mission. A total of fifty-nine personnel from Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) were sent to the provinces of Manitoba and Alberta to assist in tackling the unprecedented wildfires that erupted in May 2023, leading to significant evacuations.

The wildfires in Canada resulted in over 170 separate incidents by the end of May, with the smoke affecting air quality across the border in the United States. New Zealand began sending crews to aid in the firefighting efforts in July, as the scale of the disaster became evident.

Response to Unprecedented Wildfires

Brooke van Velden, the Minister of Internal Affairs, described the situation as “hard to imagine,” noting that one single fire consumed approximately 300,000 hectares, which is nearly equivalent to two Stewart Islands. By mid-July, the number of active wildfires across Canada reached over 500, highlighting the extensive nature of the crisis.

Brendan Nally, deputy national commander of FENZ, expressed confidence that the experiences gained during this deployment would significantly bolster New Zealand’s capability to respond to wildfires as the local season approaches. “The knowledge and skills acquired will enhance our wildfire response capability,” he affirmed.

FENZ has a history of international deployment, having sent more than 1,600 personnel to wildfire emergencies worldwide since 2000. Nally took a moment to acknowledge the sacrifices made by the families of the deployed firefighters. “It is a big burden to take on back home to have your loved one away for five weeks at short notice,” he stated. “We’ve heard countless stories of thanks from the people of Alberta and Canada for helping them in their time of need.”

The deployment reflects New Zealand’s commitment to international cooperation in emergency response, showcasing the global solidarity needed to tackle the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires worldwide.

As the firefighting crew returns, the lessons learned from this deployment are expected to play a crucial role in preparing for future challenges. The experience gained will undoubtedly contribute to more effective strategies in managing wildfires at home, ensuring that New Zealand remains resilient in the face of natural disasters.