Farmington Firefighter Deployed To Battle Canada's Wildfires

FARMINGTON, CT — The choking smoke that made life difficult in the northeast and other parts of the U.S. this week is now being addressed by at least one Farmington firefighter.

Farmington Fire Department firefighter Adrian Enrique has deployed to Canada as part of a Connecticut team assisting with ongoing wildfire suppression efforts in Canada, the Farmington Fire Department announced Friday.

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The said FF/EMT Enrique is serving alongside members of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Forestry Division in the wildfire response.

Enrique has served with the Farmington Fire Department for several years, according to the department.

"Adrian has proudly served our department for several years, and his willingness to answer the call beyond our community reflects the dedication, courage, and professionalism he brings to the fire service," the department said in a statement.

The deployment is part of a broader effort to support wildfire operations in Canada as firefighters from multiple jurisdictions assist Canadian agencies.

The Farmington Fire Department asked residents to join in wishing Enrique and the rest of the Connecticut crew a safe and successful deployment.

"We look forward to welcoming them home," the department said.

This year has been one of Canada's most active wildfire seasons in recent years.

As of mid-July, more than 897 wildfires were burning across the country, with the largest concentrations in Alberta, British Columbia, northwestern Ontario, and Saskatchewan.

Wildfires had been reported in at least eight provinces and two territories.

While about half of Canada's wildfires are caused by lightning and the remainder by human activity, dry soils and vegetation have increased the risk of fires spreading rapidly this season.