Alberta sending 40 wildland firefighters early next week to help with L.A. wildfires

Alberta confirmed it will be sending 40 wildland firefighters early next week to help combat the raging fires that have killed at least 11 people and damaged or destroyed more than 10,000 structures in Los Angeles County over the past week.

Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen said in a post on X Saturday that he has spoken directly to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Governor's Office of Emergency Services to assure them that Alberta is prepared to support the state in its ongoing firefighting efforts.

Loewen added additional firefighters, personnel and qualified support staff are ready to go if California requests them.

It comes as Calgary charity Parachutes for Pets says it is sending aid to California in the form of donations and volunteers to assist in the response to the devastating wildfires.

The charity thanked a "very generous donor" in a post Saturday on X, formerly Twitter, and said volunteers will be departing early Sunday morning via a private plane to relieve volunteers in the area.

Meanwhile, Alberta is also preparing to send water bombers, night-vision helicopters and incident command team support to help battle the wildfires.

Premier Danielle Smith said on social media Thursday that Alberta is also working with the federal government and the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre to assess California's needs.

"Good neighbours are always there for each other in times of need, and we will assist our American friends in any way they need during this crisis," Smith said.