Indigenous communities are disproportionately impacted by wildfires, increasingly so within the ‘new normal’ of climate change-induced fire season extremes. Likewise, Indigenous individuals are increasingly being called upon by their communities and wildfire management organizations to engage in wildfire work. The organizational culture surrounding wildfire work is largely rooted in western, paramilitary values that are quite distinct from cultural burning and fire stewardship practices. Alongside colonial settlement came a devaluing of these Indigenous-led practices and a problematic history of forced/coerced wildland firefighting in Indigenous communities.

Currently, Indigenous wildland firefighters navigate this living history alongside the other considerable challenges of wildland firefighting, which include prolonged exposure to dangerous and extreme conditions, exhaustion and burnout from long, physically demanding days and suboptimal sleep, health risks due to smoke and chemical exposure, and loneliness and isolation from extended time spent away from loved ones and community. Compounding these challenges are what many Indigenous wildland firefighters report are exclusion from career advancement, incidences of anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination, and a lack of understanding and recognition of Indigenous-led cultural and fire stewardship practices.

In this panel discussion, we will examine:

• The unique challenges and stressors experienced by Indigenous wildland fire fighters

• Recommendations and practices for supporting Indigenous wildland firefighter cultural safety and wellness

• Calls for decolonizing wildfire services, and honouring Indigenous-led fire stewardship principles in wildland firefighting

Visit: https://www.cipsrt-icrtsp.ca/en/join-us-for-a-special-two-part-discussion-on-the-impacts-of-wildfire-fighting-on-public-safety-personnel

‘An incomprehensibly demanding job. Extreme in every possible way.’* The impact of wildfire fighting on mental health

First responders and other public safety personnel are routinely exposed to trauma through performance of their job duties, which can in turn contribute to the development of mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and other posttraumatic stress injuries (PTSI).

Woodland and wildland firefighters face a unique set of challenges and stressors, including prolonged exposure to dangerous and extreme conditions, exhaustion and burnout from long, physically demanding days and suboptimal sleep, health risks due to smoke and chemical exposure, and loneliness and isolation from extended time spent away from loved ones and community.

2025 has proven to be the second-worst season on record in Canada, and climate scientists warn that back-to-back extreme fire seasons is becoming a new normal, increasing demands on fire fighters and other emergency personnel.

In this panel discussion we will examine:

• The unique challenges and stressors experienced by wildland and woodland fire fighters

• Intersections between structural and woodland/wildland firefighting

• Measures wellness experts are implementing to support wildfire fighter mental health

• Calls for a national-level wildfire response and mental health supports for wildland firefighters and emergency personnel, and for incorporation of Indigenous fire stewardship principles in wildland firefighting

Visit: https://www.cipsrt-icrtsp.ca/en/join-us-for-a-special-two-part-discussion-on-the-impacts-of-wildfire-fighting-on-public-safety-personnel