Canadian fire chiefs say more resources needed as wildfire threat grows

Fire departments say they do not have the resources, personnel or equipment to battle an increasing number of forest fires exacerbated by climate change that often encroach on sprawling urban areas, and they are calling on Ottawa to create a federal agency to co-ordinate the response.The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs released its annual report Monday surveying the core needs of the 3,200 volunteer and professional fire departments it represents as its leadership travelled to Ottawa to meet with politicians this week. The group’s main request of MPs and senators is that they help create a National Fire Administration to help firefighting agencies improve their ability to respond to emergencies, adequately serve new housing developments and prepare for risks posed by lithium batteries as more people electrify their cars, CAFC president Ken McMullen said.