This release was issued under a previous government.

Close to 300 South African firefighters stepped up to help the province fight the massive wildfire in northern Alberta last month. They were paid in the same salary range as Alberta wildland firefighters.

“We are grateful that these women and men came to help us in our time of need. We are pleased to get confirmation that they have been paid in accordance with our province’s labour laws.”

Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

The international wildland firefighters arrived in Edmonton on May 29. They were deployed to northern Alberta two days later.

On June 12, the force left Edmonton and headed back to South Africa.