Trudeau rebuffs offers of international aid for coping with fire

OTTAWA — Russia, the U.S., Mexico, Australia, Taiwan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority have all offered help in fighting the northern Alberta wildfire, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says there’s no need for international assistance.

Last week Vladimir Puchkov, the Russian minister of emergency measures, offered to send heavy water bombers and specialized crews to battle the fire that’s been raging out of control near Fort McMurray.

A number of other offers have also been made since the crisis emerged last week and they have been reviewed against requirements, said John Babcock, a spokesman for Global Affairs Canada.

Canada appreciates the international support, but it isn’t necessary, Trudeau told a news conference Monday. Water bombers and firefighters from other provinces, including Ontario, B.C., Quebec and New Brunswick, are getting a handle on the situation, he added.

“There is no doubt that people around the world have been marked by this disaster and have been very generous in their offers of support, but the reality is with all of the assistance of people across this country, we don’t need help from other countries at this time,” he said in French.

Accepting international disaster assistance would not set a precedent and has happened in the past, but Babcock didn’t provide examples.

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said Canadian authorities have a handle on the crisis and what’s truly needed is a break in the weather.

“The decision was made by the firefighters in the emergency management system that [foreign help] wasn’t necessary because of the nature of this blaze,” Goodale said following question period.

“This beast is so big the only thing that will fix it is rain.”