By Government of Prince Edward Island
Four Prince Edward Island students had a unique job this summer – learning to fight wildfires here at home and across the country.
Wildland firefighting training is offered by the provincial Forestry, Fish and Wildlife division to help expand PEI’s capacity in fighting wildfires. This is the first time a student crew has been added to the team.
Patrick Duguay is one of the students in the program. He was part of a group of firefighters who traveled to Saskatchewan and the Yukon. The idea of traveling around the country and helping other people was a big factor in joining the team.
Duguay witnessed first-hand how wildfire affected residents in both places. The group met people who lost their home and property in the blazes.
“We’re fortunate on PEI that we don’t have to worry too much about forest fires happening, certainly not on the scale on the western side of the country,” says Duguay “But it’s worthwhile knowing that we’re doing everything we can to help prevent any fires from happening.”
When Gabe Ing saw the opportunity for the summer position, he jumped at the chance to help his fellow Canadians.
“We wake up around six in the morning, eat a good breakfast from the chefs, then get a briefing from the fire coordinators outlining our duties before heading out to tackle the day’s tasks,” says Ing.
Owen Baird started his role a couple of months into the summer. For him, the greatest source of pride comes from protecting the residents living in the areas affected by forest fires.
“The people there are amazing, everyone treats you great,” he says. “Seeing different places and getting the chance to help people and make sure their properties and farm life are not getting destroyed is unforgettable.”
Ryley MacKinnon, another student in the program, encourages Islanders interested in taking part in the program to give it a shot. “It’s hard work, but it’s important work,” he says.
When the students are not helping out in other provinces, they’re home in PEI tackling odd jobs like managing hoses or maintaining fire infrastructure. Or they take online classes to further their knowledge for the next deployment.
The province’s forest fire prevention fund includes money for more forest fire training to build wildland firefighting capacity. In addition to the student program, the Forests, Fish and Wildlife division is working in other areas to prepare for wildfire response in PEI.
The province has purchased and distributed firefighting equipment to targeted volunteer fire departments and other locations across PEI to increase response capabilities.
Forestry officials use FireSmart techniques to protect high-risk infrastructure, such as homes.
