Mexico returns 422 firefighters following Canadian wildfire mission

A total of 422 specialized firefighters from Mexico’s National Forestry Commission (Conafor) have begun returning to Mexico following a month-long deployment to combat wildfires in Canada. The mission included 400 operational brigadiers and 22 technical and coordination staff, consisting of 395 men and 27 women.

The personnel were deployed across Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba to assist with prevention, surveillance, fire control, and logistics. In Ontario specifically, an initial contingent of 104 people worked at the Rinker Lake, Holinshead, and Atikokan camps. Their efforts included clearing nearly 20,000 meters of firebreaks, identifying hundreds of hot spots, and preparing 17 helipads to support aerial operations.

This international cooperation was facilitated by a Memorandum of Understanding and an Operational Plan for the Exchange of Resources for Forest Fire Management between Mexico and Canada. Beyond active firefighting, the Mexican teams obtained several technical certifications in chainsaw operation and high-pressure pump repairs during their deployment.