Mexico has dispatched a team of firefighters and rescue personnel to the United States to assist in battling the devastating wildfires in California. On Saturday, a plane carrying the 72-member team from Mexico arrived at the Los Angeles International Airport, where they were greeted by California Governor Gavin Newsom and other high-ranking officials.
The team, comprising personnel from the Mexican military, civil defense, and forestry services, will join the over 14,000 US firefighters battling the blazes. Newsom expressed gratitude to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, stating that the situation transcends borders.
“We, as Californians, are eternally grateful to our neighbors for their support in the fight against the wildfires in Los Angeles” Newsom said.
Anale Burlew, the vice-chief of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, also thanked the Mexican government for its assistance and praised the “outstanding” relationships between California and Mexico.
Sheinbaum had earlier explained that her government is providing aid to California due to the significant number of Mexican citizens living in the state, as well as Mexico’s reputation as a generous and solidarity-driven nation.
The massive wildfire in Los Angeles broke out on Tuesday morning in the Pacific Palisades area, with strong winds and fire whirls spreading the flames rapidly. According to recent reports, at least 16 people have lost their lives, and over 180,000 residents have been evacuated. The fires have already destroyed more than 12,000 homes and buildings.