The province and the federal government are investing into Ontario’s Wildland Fire Program.
Officials say $64 million dollars is coming to the program to enhance Ontario’s firefighting abilities, purchase new equipment, and hire and train key personnel.
Minister of Natural Resources Graydon Smith says the investments will keep Ontario at the leading edge of wildland firefighting as it prepares for more frequent and complex fire seasons.
“Our government is making critical investments in our wildland fire program – on the ground and in the air – to keep Ontario at the leading edge of wildland firefighting,” said Smith. “As an internationally recognized leader in wildland fire safety, we are preparing for more frequent and complex fire seasons to protect our communities now and in the future.”
To date this year, 450 wildland fires and nearly 90,000 hectares of forests have burned in our province.
The Federal government says as climate change intensifies so too do wildfires, and this investment will help keep Ontarians safe.
“As we strengthen our forestry sector, it’s crucial to leverage these skills to ensure the safety and resilience of Ontario communities affected by wildfires,” said Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. “Our training programs and investments are essential in supporting all communities that depend on our wildland firefighters.”
