Premier Eby addresses wildfire response, confirms arrival of international firefighting crews

Premier David Eby addressed reporters in Abbotsford on Thursday evening following continued questions about his public absence during British Columbia's ongoing wildfire emergency. During the news conference, Eby issued an update on the province's wildfire response and confirmed the arrival of additional international firefighting personnel.

According to the premier, a second contingent of firefighters from Mexico, Australia and New Zealand has arrived in British Columbia to support wildfire suppression efforts. The crews will work alongside personnel from Alberta, Quebec and Yukon to strengthen the BC Wildfire Service's response as crews continue battling active wildfires across the province.

Eby expressed sympathy for residents who have been displaced by the fires and thanked frontline staff, volunteers and First Nations leaders involved in emergency response efforts. He said he remains in contact with local leaders in affected communities and acknowledged that conditions could become more challenging in the coming weeks.