ACT Firefighters Aid Canada Wildfire Efforts
15 firefighters from ACT Parks & Conservation Service (ACTPCS) and 5 firefighters from the ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) are leaving for Canada today to assist with wildfires burning throughout the country.
The firefighters will be based in the province of Alberta for 38 days helping to control and put out wildfires. There are currently over 290 fires burning this severe wildfire season in Canada and over 50 of these are in Alberta. Australian firefighters have been deployed in Canada since 12 June 2025, and this group leaving today is the first ACT contingent.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson, is proud to see ACT firefighters giving up their time to help our friends overseas.
“The past year has been a busy one for our ACT emergency services as they’ve responded to incidents across Australia. The deployment of ACT personnel to Canada is a powerful reflection of our people’s unwavering commitment to helping communities in need, wherever and whenever they’re called upon.”
“I would like to wish all our firefighters departing today a safe journey. I look forward to hearing about their experiences and the valuable insights gained upon their return.”
Quotes attributable to ACTRFS Chief Officer, Rohan Scott
“Australia and Canada share a strong resource sharing relationship. ACT firefighters have been supporting Canadian wildfire efforts since 2016 and in return, Canada stood with us during the devastating Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020.
“Having just returned from visiting the aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, it is clear to me both North America and Australia can benefit from shared experiences and lessons learned. I look forward to seeing what our firefighters learn in Canada during this deployment that can impact how we prepare for and tackle bushfires here in Australia.”
Quotes attributable to ACTPCS Director of Operations, Ailish Milner
“The ACT Parks and Conservation Service is honoured to support Canada by sending our crews alongside the ACT Rural Fire Service to join the Canadian firefighting effort.
“ACT firefighters have a proud history of supporting our international colleagues, joining multiple deployments overseas, including to Canada, over the past decade. Our skilled and experienced firefighters will provide Canada with much-needed relief during their difficult fire season.
“Thank you to the crews deployed today who are really going above and beyond to will help protect life, environment and property abroad.”
https://www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/open_government/inform/act_government_media_releases/marisa-paterson-mla-media-releases/2025/act-firefighters-deployed-to-support-canadas-wildfire-response