Ottawa turns to civilian first responders as another dire wildfire season approaches

Instead of sending in the troops to deal with what promises to be another dangerous wildfire season, Public Safety Canada is testing the capabilities of a civilian-led firefighting force as first responders and relief providers.

Ottawa turns to civilian first responders as another dire wildfire season approaches
The McDougall Creek wildfire burns on the mountainside above houses in West Kelowna, B.C., on Friday, August 18, 2023.

Instead of sending in the troops to deal with what promises to be another dangerous wildfire season, Public Safety Canada is testing the capabilities of a civilian-led firefighting force as first responders and relief providers.