Trudeau criticized for refusing international help for Fort McMurray wildfire

As the wildfires continue to rage in Alberta, the news that Canada has turned down resources to help fight the flames has sparked some outrage.

The U.S., Russia, Mexico, Australia, Taiwan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority are reported to have offered assistance.

READ MORE: Live updates of Fort McMurray wildfire

“There is no need to accept any international assistance at this point, but we certainly thank everyone for their generosity,” Trudeau said Monday.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "There is no need to accept any international assistance at this point, but we certainly thank everyone for their generosity," Trudeau said Monday.

While the provinces assist in deploying resources to Alberta, Trudeau says there is no need for international help. Trudeau says it’s been “touching” to see not just Canadians, but the global community offering support to those affected by the fire.

WATCH: Trudeau says there was no need to accept international assistance at this point in the Fort McMurray wildfire

0:42 Prime Minister Trudeau turns down offer of foreign-assistance in battling Fort McMurray wildfire

Trudeau’s statements come a day after Chad Morrison with Alberta Wildfire said resources from outside the province are being brought in as needed and available.

“Right now, of course we’re working through all our firefighting agencies across Canada, we also work through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, who reaches over to the U.S. partners and the National Interagency Forest Fire centre in the U.S., as well we have regional agreements,” Morrison said.

READ MORE: Where Fort McMurray fire evacuees can get help and information

Morrsion suggested the logistics of organizing those resources poses a big challenge.

“Most of the issues I believe at this time — simply that we’re just trying to get everything lined up and continue to bring things in in a manner that’s safe, we can deploy those firefighters and get them to work,” he said.

“It’s just a matter of us being able to expeditiously move people forward and put the right firefighters in the right place.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's just a matter of us being able to expeditiously move people forward and put the right firefighters in the right place."

1:29 Aftermath images of the devastation of the Fort McMurray wildfire

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Interim Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose was tight-lipped on Trudeau’s statement Monday, as were the New Democrats.

The fire came on so fast and grew so strong, the offers from the past few days wouldn’t have made a difference, said Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale.

“This beast is so big, we need rain to fix it,” Goodale said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "This beast is so big, we need rain to fix it," Goodale said.

Still, social media feeds and online comment boards quickly filled with surprised reaction.

https://twitter.com/aggieloveseggs/status/729740644936089600

The number of structures that have been destroyed in Fort McMurray was updated to 2,400 Monday; 85 per cent of the community remains intact.

Wood Buffalo Fire Chief Darby Allen said Monday he doesn’t believe officials could have done any more to save Fort McMurray.

“There were hundreds of people, emergency services staff that gave their all. I do truly believe we couldn’t have done any more. We did our best. The good news is… There are many, many images of areas untouched.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "There were hundreds of people, emergency services staff that gave their all. I do truly believe we couldn't have done any more. We did our best. The good news is… There are many, many images of areas untouched."

As of Monday afternoon the fire had grown to 204,000 hectares in size.

READ MORE: Notley to visit Fort McMurray as wildfire action plan enters phase two

About 700 firefighters, several choppers, 27 air tankers and 46 pieces of heavy equipment are being used to battle the wildfire.

“We really appreciate the support we’ve received from the province, and everyone else that’s come along,” Allen said. “We are dedicating every necessary resource to bringing you home, and we’ll see you soon.”

With files from Global News