South African firefighters arrive in Canada to help tackle Fort McMurray wildfire

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Nearly 300 South African firefighters touched down at an airport in Alberta, Canada, yesterday (30 May) to help battle the huge ‘Fort McMurray’ wildfire, which has been raging for nearly a month.

The firefighters seemed in good spirits upon arrival, singing a traditional ‘soldier song’ for the large crowd which had gathered to welcome them.

Most of the group came through a South African program called “Working on Fire”, which recruits and offers training to individuals from “marginalized communities”. (WOF website)

They will join 2,300 firefighters, who are already tackling the blaze.