Statement from Minister Richard Mostyn on joint investment in wildland firefighting with Government of Canada

Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn has issued the following statement:

Today we joined our federal partners the Government of Canada at Wildland Fire Management’s Yukon Fire Centre in Whitehorse. We are proud to officially announce a joint funding agreement which will increase the Yukon’s capacity to respond to wildfires in communities across the territory.

After several intense wildfire seasons across Canada, we know every Yukoner is mindful of the risks posed by wildfire. And as climate change brings more severe and unpredictable weather, wildfire risk is now extending into the fall.

The Government of Yukon has wildfire-response capability from April 1 to September 30 every year, and just this last weekend we’ve seen the danger that late-summer fire can pose.

When fully staffed, there are 24 wildfire crews in regional bases across the territory, comprising 10 Yukon government and 14 Yukon First Nations crews. That means 75 initial-attack firefighters and another 40 staff managing crews and aircraft and providing logistical support.

This year, our firefighters have worked to respond to fires in the Yukon but they have also travelled outside Yukon to assist with fire operations in BC, Alberta and other jurisdictions.

Every day they are protecting lives and our homes- but it’s vital that firefighters have the resources they need to do the job safely and well.

Last year, Wildland Fire Management entered into a multi-year, $21 million dollar funding agreement with the Government of Canada called Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate.

Through this agreement, the federal government is providing $16 million with Yukon government contributing $5 million, over 5 years – specifically for wildland firefighting equipment and training.

Wildland fire fighting requires a wide range of specialized gear and equipment. We have already purchased personal protective equipment for the crews – things like helmets and safety gear.

Other equipment being provided by this funding includes pumps, hoses, UTVs, and skid tanks: the fundamental tools needed for wildland firefighting.

In addition, a portion of the funding will be used for training, including for the members of Yukon First Nations Wildfire’s 20-person Unit Crew, and for Initial Attack firefighters on Yukon government and contract crews. Plus, training for the support staff and officers who are vital to the success of our wildfire response.

Through this funding agreement with Canada, the Government of Yukon can increase its procurement and deployment of vital equipment and training.

We are proud to invest in increased resources for wildland firefighting. Together, we are creating wildfire-resilient communities and keeping Yukoners safe.