Fire departments in Canada face a preparedness crisis in the face of wildfires.

The recent wildfires in Canada have highlighted an alarming reality: municipal fire departments are unprepared to face this growing threat. The experience of firefighter Joe Triff, who has personally witnessed the devastation of these disasters, illustrates a bleak picture. In May 2023, a fire in Upper Tantallon burned over 900 hectares and forced the evacuation of more than 16,000 people, leaving 151 homes destroyed. Triff, vice president of the Halifax Professional Firefighters Association, recalls the chaos and fear that overtook his colleagues, many of whom were trying to save their own homes while battling the flames. A recent report from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services of the Region underscores the lack of preparedness that urban firefighters faced during the crisis. These professionals are trained to combat fires in enclosed spaces, but they lack the experience, training, and equipment necessary to deal with wildfires. This gap in capabilities becomes even more concerning when considering that the frequency of wildfires is expected to increase in urban areas, driven by climate change and urban growth. Ken McMullen, president of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, has pointed out that the risk of wildfires in urban environments is now higher than in previous years. The examples are compelling: the fire that devastated a third of the city of Jasper in Alberta, the blazes that destroyed properties in the Shuswap region, and the catastrophic fire in Lytton in 2021. These events serve as a reminder that the intersection of urban expansion and wildfires is a new challenge that must be urgently addressed. The trend is clear: there are more communities at risk and, at the same time, an increase in urban development in landscapes that were traditionally free from such threats. Mike Flannigan, a wildfire expert, warns that these situations will only worsen as the planet continues to warm. "There are more fires and more communities affected," he asserts, emphasizing the need for adequate preparation to face this new reality. Although provincial governments are responsible for wildfire management, municipal fire departments are also compelled to intervene when the flames approach urban areas. The differences in tactics and the equipment needed for wildfire suppression contrast with the skills required to handle emergencies in urban settings. This lack of coordination among different emergency services has become an urgent concern. The report from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services revealed that firefighters faced issues such as injuries from inadequate footwear and a lack of proper personal protective equipment. Triff has noted that the lack of equipment not only affects response capability but also has a negative psychological impact on firefighters, who find themselves in extremely stressful situations without the necessary tools to protect themselves. Despite these challenges, there is a concerted effort to improve preparedness for future crises. Kara McCurdy, director of the wildfire mitigation program, has stated that her team is working on improvement measures. From acquiring better equipment to implementing more effective training, significant steps are being taken to address existing deficiencies. Furthermore, the federal government has allocated funds to train urban firefighters in wildfire response. This program, called "Responding to the Interface," will be implemented in the maritime provinces and aims to prepare teams to face extreme situations. Such initiatives are crucial, given that climate change has altered the dynamics of fires and their impact on communities. However, Triff and other firefighters are concerned about the speed of change and the responsiveness of current systems. "If another wildfire were to occur tomorrow, we don't believe we would be more prepared," he states, reflecting a sense of urgency in the face of the imminent arrival of more natural disasters. The future of wildfire fighting in Canada appears uncertain, but also filled with opportunities to improve the resilience of emergency services. With growing concern about climate change and its impact on community safety, it is essential to adopt a proactive rather than reactive approach. The lives and well-being of thousands of people depend on it.