(Reuters) – The U.S. Department of Defense on Friday began sending real-time satellite and sensor data to Canadian authorities, technology it said would help identify new fires more quickly as that country endures the pandemic. one of its most destructive early wildfire seasons.
The United States has already dispatched more than 600 firefighters to Canada to help fight the flames. President Joe Biden, who has linked wildfires to climate change, said US officials were monitoring air quality and aviation delays.
“Starting today, DOD personnel will analyze and share real-time data from U.S. satellites and sensors and transmit it through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. National Interagency Fire Center and the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center. “said U.S. National Security Council spokesman Adam Hodge. in a report.
He said the Biden administration was also deploying additional wildfire-fighting personnel and equipment to Canada.
Canada is suffering from its most destructive start to the wildfire season, with around 4.8 million hectares (48,000 square kilometers) already burned, an area larger than the Netherlands.
(Reporting by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Stephen Coates)