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Ontario Invests $20M to Modernize Wildland Fire Bases
Ontario is investing more than $20 million to upgrade two forward attack bases in Northwestern Ontario, strengthening the province’s wildland firefighting program after a challenging season.
At a press conference held at the Ministry of Natural Resources airport in Sault Ste. Marie, officials outlined how the Vedette and Socket Lake bases will be rebuilt with modern facilities, improved staff accommodations, upgraded electrical and plumbing, and new technologies that help crews reach fires faster, especially in remote areas where response time is critical.
This year saw large, fast-moving fires across the northwest, with extreme fire behaviour pushing crews and aviation teams to their limits.
Despite the conditions, officials say every major fire is now being held or under control thanks to the dedication of frontline firefighters, pilots and support staff.
The province says these upgrades will ensure Ontario has the right people, equipment and infrastructure in place heading into the 2027 fire season and that frontline crews spending weeks away from home will have the best tools and facilities to do their jobs safely and effectively.
