Canada deploying 60 firefighters to help with California blazes

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Sunday he was deploying 60 firefighters to California to help with the wildfires.

In a post on X, Trudeau said Canada was helping aid the Los Angeles area as several wildfires continue devastating the area.

The death toll from the wildfires reached 16 as of Saturday night and the fires remained mostly uncontained. Additional evacuation orders are underway.

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) declared a state of emergency earlier this week and has called for an independent probe of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power as questions are raised about the city’s supply.

Trudeau has sent air tankers and firefighters to Los Angeles. Government officials said there is more personnel and equipment from Ontario, Quebec and Alberta ready to be mobilized, The New York Times reported.

In another post on X, Trudeau said Canada and the United States were more than just neighbors.

“We’re friends — especially when times get tough,” he wrote. “California’s always had our back when we battle wildfires up north. Now, Canada’s got yours.”

Mexico has also deployed a crew to help battle the growing fires.

Trudeau’s generosity comes at a complicated time for the two countries.

Trudeau and President-elect Trump have disagreed over Trump’s tariff plan, which would hike prices for Canada. Amid Trudeau’s resignation, Trump has suggested merging the U.S. and Canada.