Western Quebec firefighters headed to Alberta

Nine western Quebec firefighters have landed in Edmontontofight wildfires that have been burning out of control in Alberta for thepast several weeks.

They were part of a group of 40 who flew out of airports in Ottawa and Quebec Sunday, as that provinceramps up its support of Alberta'sfirefighting efforts.

In addition to boots on the ground, the Socit de protection des forts contre le feu (SOPFEU) has alsosent over two air tankers, two pilots, two technicians, about 2,000 water hosesand a representative withthe fire protection agency.

When wildfires break out, it's common for resources to be shared as part of a national mutual aid agreement, SOPFEU spokesperson Jose Poitras told Radio-Canada in a French-language interview.

Quebec has often received outside help when they'vebeenoverwhelmed with wildfires, Poitras said.

"So here, we're going to lend a hand because we can afford to at the moment," she said.

Fires expected to get worse this week

As of Sunday, 34 of the 135 fires in Alberta's forest protection area were out of control, according to Alberta Wildfire.

Melissa Story, an information officer with the agency, told reporters in an update Sunday thatwhile rain helped bring some of those fires under control over the weekend, they're "expecting to see more elevated fire danger later this week" as the weather gets warmer.

SOPFEU's firefighters will be in the province for a two-week mission in the field, but it's not clear where they'll be deployed.

While Story says support for Parks Canada the lead agency in the fire response in Jasper, where fires have burned32,000 hectares combined in the national park is still top of mind, it's not likely SOPFEU's firefighters will be part of the crew.

Local crews 'ready to go'

As they prepared to board their flight on Sunday, some firefighters shared they felt some trepidation about the unknowns.

"The working side is different [in a different province]," SOPFEU equipment controller Eric Royexplained before accompanying the firefighters to airportsecurity.

"There's less water, there's different tools."

But the overall feeling was positive, Roy said.

"They're feeling good. Ready to go, ready to help."