The Leduc Naturalist: Is it time for wildfire reservists?
Most Canadians are familiar with military reservists. They are the part-time soldiers, sailors and aircrew members that put in a few weeknights, weekends, and at least one military exercise per year. They are an important element and tradition of our military history, and provide some slack in times of crisis. Canadians are also familiar with military cadet groups, Junior Forest Wardens, community fire cadets, and the ubiquitous units of the scouting movement. Is it time for these teen and adult groups to step up and help with community wildfire safety? Studies from the last few summers of catastrophic fire activity have overwhelmingly singled out a few key factors in the loss of infrastructure and other property, not to mention human life. It is the general unpreparedness of urban and rural municipalities to quickly respond to local fire activity before outside forces can arrive, that has proven so devastating in many cases. Perhaps it is time we utilized volunteer and part time personnel to provide that vital link. Yes, under-aged or undertrained wildland firefighters can be a liability, but hazard assessments and policy can deal with much of this. Personnel who lack the maturity, experience and raw skills to be on the fire line can still manage fire caches, maintain equipment, and provide administrative and transportive support. Community groups such as the Salvation Army, St John Ambulance and the Canadian Red Cross can and do support fire responses, but more can be done with churches and service clubs, even in the smallest towns and villages. Let’s spend the winter discussing and investigating the feasibility of these reserve forces.
