‘It weighs on you’: Ontario wildland firefighters being overworked due to lack of resources, union says

The union representing Ontario’s wildland firefighters is sounding the alarm on the long hours and lack of resources that are putting a strain on their members. Noah Freedman, a wildfire crew leader and vice-president of Local 703 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), highlighted the challenges faced by firefighters in the province.

Freedman noted that the historical number of four-person fire crews in Ontario was around 180, but changes in climate and fire conditions have made the job more demanding. With hotter temperatures, longer seasons, and drier conditions, the need for more firefighters, water bombers, pilots, and support staff has become critical. However, instead of increasing resources, the province is moving in the opposite direction.

The union has raised concerns about the lack of rest and the resulting fatigue among firefighters. Working long hours without breaks can lead to poor decision-making and increased risks on the job. Freedman shared his own experience of completing three 19-day rotations with only two days off in between, highlighting the toll that the job takes on firefighters.

One of the key issues highlighted by Freedman is the shortage of water bomber pilots in Ontario. With three water bombers grounded at any given time due to a lack of pilots, firefighting efforts are hampered when facing large fires. The union is calling for proactive funding to address these resource shortages and ensure that firefighters have the support they need to do their jobs effectively.

Currently, the budget for Ontario’s wildfire program stands at $130 million, which the union believes is insufficient given the scope of the program. Freedman stressed the need for a budget increase to $300 million to cover the costs of equipment, personnel, and operations. With the program often exceeding its budget due to reactionary spending, the union is advocating for more proactive funding to address ongoing challenges.

Another issue raised by the union is the reclassification of wildland firefighters as firefighters instead of resource technicians. This reclassification would allow firefighters to receive higher wages and better benefits, but Freedman noted that the government’s proposed changes fall short of what is needed to support firefighters in their roles.

In response to the union’s concerns, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) stated that investments in the wildland fire management program have increased by 92% since 2018. However, the union believes that more needs to be done to address the challenges faced by firefighters on the ground.

In addition to resource shortages, the union is also pushing for more experienced crew leaders to ensure the safety of firefighters. With many full-time positions eliminated and seasonal workers hired instead, there is a lack of experienced leaders to guide firefighting efforts. This lack of experience can lead to safety issues and increased risks for firefighters on the frontlines.

Overall, the union is calling for increased funding, better resources, and support for Ontario’s wildland firefighters to ensure their safety and effectiveness in fighting wildfires. By addressing these challenges, the province can better protect its communities and natural landscapes from the threat of wildfires.