As the summer months approach, fire chiefs across Canada are expressing concern over a potential decrease in volunteer firefighters. With a likely ferocious wildfire season on the horizon, the shortage of volunteers could have serious consequences for communities.
According to the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association, approximately 85% of firefighters in Canada are volunteers. However, this number has been steadily declining over the years. In 2018, there were 126,000 volunteer firefighters, a decrease of 3.5% from the previous year.
The reasons for this decline are varied. Some fire chiefs point to the aging population of volunteers, with many retiring or unable to continue due to health issues. Others cite the increasing demands of modern life, with people having less time to commit to volunteering.
But the impact of this shortage could be devastating. With wildfires becoming more frequent and severe, the need for trained and dedicated firefighters is greater than ever. In 2018, there were over 8,500 wildfires in Canada, burning over 3.4 million hectares of land. And with climate change causing longer and more intense fire seasons, this number is expected to rise.
Fire chiefs are urging communities to take action and support their local volunteer fire departments. This could include offering incentives such as tax breaks or training opportunities, as well as promoting the importance of volunteering for the safety and well-being of the community.
In addition, fire departments are looking at ways to attract and retain volunteers, such as offering flexible schedules and providing a sense of camaraderie and purpose. Some departments have also started recruiting from underrepresented groups, such as women and minorities, to diversify their teams.
But ultimately, it is up to individuals to step up and answer the call to serve their communities. As Fire Chief Ken Block from the Calgary Fire Department states, “Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of our emergency response system. Without them, we would not be able to provide the level of service that we do.”
In conclusion, the shortage of volunteer firefighters is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed before the upcoming wildfire season. It is a call to action for communities to support and encourage volunteering, and for individuals to step up and make a difference in their communities. The safety and well-being of our communities depend on it.
