125 Years of Dedicated Service by Ontario FireRangers

In 1885 Ontario introduced to the province a team of dedicated members ready to serve and protect our forests and our people. The group started with 37 trained professionals and has grown tremendously with 800 forest fire fighters serving at over 30 locations across Ontario. 2010 marks the 125th year of service to Ontario by FireRangers, the province’s forest fire fighters.

Fire Management Headquarters - Pembroke, Ontario

Across the province at Fire Management Headquarters, Forward Attack Bases and Regional Fire Response Centers, our seasonal FireRangers stand by to respond to needs in Ontario plus lend a hand to other provinces and fire jurisdictions in the United States. Mutual support arrangements within Canada and with our American partners allow our fire fighting staff and resources to go where and when they are needed, if they can be spared in Ontario, with costs being funded by the jurisdiction needing assistance.

 3,400 incidents were reported.

Throughout their 125 years of service, Ontario FireRangers have seen many different forest fire intensities and sizes as well as a variety of different ground and weather conditions. This has been experienced in various parts of Ontario as well as other Canadian provinces, territories and parts of the United States.

As part of mutual support arrangements across the country and with the United States, Ontario FireRangers have been called into action to assist in other jurisdictions. As an example, the 2009 fire season in British Columbia was the most challenging on record there, with over 3,000 fires, of which over 200 directly threatened communities and expenditures exceeding $400 million dollars. Ontario’s role was acknowledged with BC’s ‘Heroes and Rescue Award’, that “recognizes courageous action in a time of crisis.”

The services provided by Ontario FireRangers ensures our forests as well as values in and near them, are protected for generations to come.

Ontario FireRangers     Dedicated      Highly Trained     Internationally Recognized

Current Ontario forest fire situation: Ontario.ca/forestfire

Fire Management Headquarters - Red Lake, Ontario

Fire Management Headquarters - Sudbury, Ontario

Fire Management Headquarters - Chapleau, Ontario