HALIFAX, Canada (AP) — More than 300 firefighters from the United States and South Africa will travel to Canada in the coming days to help battle an unprecedented wildfire season.

Federal authorities said on Thursday that at least 100 US firefighters will arrive in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia over the weekend to help battle out-of-control wildfires that have forced around 21,000 people from their homes since Sunday.

Another 200 firefighters from South Africa are expected to travel to Alberta, although Canadian authorities say they are controlling wildfires in the country.

In Nova Scotia, two large fires that remain out of control – one in suburban Halifax and the other in the province’s far southwest – have already swept through at least 200 homes and cottages.

Still, firefighters said Thursday the blaze near Halifax was 50% contained and flames had not increased on Wednesday.

The latest contingent of international firefighters will join hundreds of their colleagues from various countries, including the United States, Australia and New Zealand, who were already in Canada battling the fires.

Authorities say the number of fires so far this year is roughly equal to 10-year averages, but that the amount of flora consumed by those fires – about 27,000 square kilometers (104,000 square miles) and more – “unprecedented”.

Officials say firefighters are now facing dry conditions, rising temperatures and increased gusty winds, which will create an unstable environment for wildfires.

The federal government said late Wednesday that it had approved the Nova Scotia government’s desperate plea for help and that the Canadian Armed Forces were preparing to help with logistical and firefighting resources.