MADRID, June 20 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The government of Mexico announced on Monday that it has sent aid teams to deal with the forest fires that are raging in Canada and affecting thousands of people.

“A team of around 100 combatants and three technicians from the National Forestry Commission (Conafor) leaves today for the province of Ontario, Canada, to support the extinction of forest fires that have affected thousands of people in North America,” reads a statement from the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministerial portfolio has specified that this first deployment of specialized personnel will support Canadian work for a period of 33 days. Similarly, Foreign Affairs stressed that “all those selected have the experience, physical fitness, training and adequate deployment equipment”, as well as international standards.

The Canadian Interagency Wildfire Center (CIFFC) has requested the support of Mexican firefighting personnel under the “Operational Plan for the Exchange of Wildfire Management Resources between Canadian and Mexican Participants”.

Mexico considers that this measure “strengthens its deep ties of friendship and constant support with Canada” and “supports the commitment of Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador” and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to fight against climate change”.

The effects of the fires on Canadian territory have come to affect air quality in New York, whose authorities have warned of the danger to health from smoke. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says air quality is at “harmful” levels, meaning people with heart disease, the elderly, children and teens should refrain from strenuous outdoor activities.