Jasper wildfire: Canadian PM Justin Trudeau thanks Kiwi firefighters

In this 24 July, 2024, image obtained from the Jasper National Park in Canada, smoke rises from a wildfire burning in the park. Photo: Handout / Jasper National Park / AFP

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has thanked New Zealand firefighters for their help battling a wildfire raging through Jasper National Park.

Trudeau posted a message on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), thanking the brave first responders and mentioning firefighters from New Zealand, Australia, Mexico and South Africa.

And, to reinforce their efforts, over 400 firefighters from our friends in Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and South Africa are on their way to fight wildfires in Alberta, shoulder-to-shoulder with our Canadian teams.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 25, 2024

Rain and cooler temperatures had subdued the fire but it remained out of control, and residents have been warned it was not yet safe to return.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand representative Scott Marchant said there was only so much firefighters could do, and they were prioritising saving lives and protecting property.

"We do a lot for Australia when they need us, and over the last couple of years have been doing quite a bit for Canada as well. We had teams go to Alberta last year as well."

The fire has destroyed a third of the western tourist town of Jasper, which sat within a national park.

Marchant said they were working 12- to 14-hour days, allowing locals - who had been fighting fires all season - to rest.

"Really hot, dry conditions. They have had a bit of a reprieve in the northern end of [British Columbia]. They've had a bit of rain up there, so things have sort of cooled down up there and resources are moving further south down the province."

Marchant said the Kiwi firefighters were expecting to stay in Canada for just over a month.