Ontario Struggles with Crew Shortages and Aircraft Problems in Battle Against Wildfires

The Ford government in Ontario is facing serious challenges as it prepares for the upcoming forest fire season. Global News has uncovered that one in five of the province’s fire crews are unstaffed, with key aircraft for firefighting operations also facing delays.

Despite offering recruitment bonuses and incentives, the government has struggled to fill the necessary positions. Only 80% of the province’s fire crews are currently staffed, with some bases experiencing vacancy rates of over 50%. Overall, just 143 of the 189 required crews have been filled.

The recruitment issues have raised concerns among opposition politicians and unionized forest firefighters, who have criticized the government’s management of the wildland fire program. The $5,000 bonus offered by the province was seen as a temporary solution, with the union labeling it a “band-aid response.”

Additionally, Global News has learned that several of the amphibious aircraft used for firefighting operations are behind schedule. Only three of the nine CL415 planes were ready on April 1, with some not expected to be operational until June. This delay could impact the province’s ability to respond effectively to wildfires.

Despite the challenges, the government maintains that it has enough resources to meet current needs. However, concerns remain about the readiness of Ontario’s firefighting operations as the fire season progresses. Opposition leaders have expressed worries about the government’s preparedness and support for firefighters, calling for urgent action to address the staffing and equipment issues.