ONTARIO-With another wildfire season underway and wildfires increasing in frequency and severity across the country, the Governments of Canada and Ontario announced a joint investment of $64 million over four years through the Government of Canada’s Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program (FMWCC) – Equipment Fund. Resilient Communities through FireSmart (RCF) Program.
Both the federal government and Ontario are providing $32 million each over four years through a contribution agreement under the FMWCC – Equipment Fund. The FMWCC – Equipment Fund was launched in 2022 to proactively invest in and support provincial and territorial efforts in strengthening fire management capacities and capabilities across the country.
This joint investment will support Ontario’s efforts to purchase wildland firefighting equipment such as trucks, community protection kits and fuel systems. By procuring and upgrading specialized wildland firefighting equipment and hiring and training more personnel, Ontario will be better prepared to respond to wildfires. This result will enhance safety for communities and firefighters and improve the sharing of resources across Canada. To date, Ontario has purchased a variety of equipment, including pumps, weather stations, boats, trailers and all-terrain vehicles.
“We are investing in people, technology and equipment to strengthen our abilities this wildland fire season and to build our capacity for the future. The program will address immediate needs to purchase key wildland fire equipment and to hire and train staff so we can continue to be prepared to respond to wildland fires and protect communities.” said Graydon Smith. Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources.
A new wildfire began this afternoon north of Bancroft which is not yet under control.
A fire which began on August 3 in the Kirkland Lake District has burned 886 hectares and is not under control. The fire is located approximately 5 km north of Stull Lake, 5 km southeast of McKee Lake, and approximately 80 km west of Latchford. Aerial fire suppression is being applied today using helicopters with buckets. In addition, 10 FireRanger crews, 3 fire management staff and 3 helicopters are assigned to this wildland fire with more resources being assigned over the next few days.
At the time of this update, there are 21 active wildland fires in the Northeast Region. Of these, 1 is not yet under control, 1 is under control and 19 are being observed.
