Four volunteer firefighters from Lake of Bays, Ont., have arrived in California to assist communities battling the devastating L.A wildfires.
“We are Canadian proud, helping our neighbours to the south. Canada and the U.S. stand strong together as neighbours and brothers,” the group shared in a GoFundMe post.
The team of four consists of Marshall Clarke, Kevin Sukhiani, McGregor Clayton, and Station Chief, Matt Young. These four firefighters chose to travel abroad and are doing so independently.
“We just got on a plane Sunday morning and went,” said Clarke. “We were having coffee, saw the extent of what was going on, and realized how much help was needed.” The quad’s mission is not activity affiliated with the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department.
The group said they rented a car and booked a hotel near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) before heading to the Pasadena area near the Eaton Fire, where they made contact with California fire officials. They were assigned to a volunteer fire brigade, working with local volunteers.
The team says they have worked to clear debris and manage fuel loads around buildings and homes to prevent potential ignition from the strong Santa Ana winds carrying sparks. Armed with shovels, they’ve been removing brush and other flammable materials.
“We just want to use our abilities in whatever capacity, we can lend a hand, there is an incredible amount of work to be done,” said Young.
According to the Canadian press, the wildfires around Los Angeles have killed at least 24 people, destroyed more than 12,000 buildings and scorched more than 160-square kilometres of land in under a week.
The quad of firefighters are paying for all expenses out of pocket and have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover costs. The group has faced harsh conditions, including thick smoke, falling ash, and concerns about airborne asbestos and other toxins.
They’ve been wearing N95 masks and protective gear to stay safe. “Tuesday, we were in the black zone. We saw rows of burnt homes—entire neighbourhoods destroyed, I don’t even have the words or experience to explain what the residents are feeling," said Young.
Despite being faced with devastation, the team has seen gratitude. “The hugs and handshakes and humility and gratitude from people... for us just being here,” Young concluded.
The firefighters are urging others to support their mission through donations, emphasizing the need for resources and assistance.
