As wildfires continue to burn during what is projected to be the worst fire season in Ontario history, OPSEU/SEFPO members working in aviation and forest fire services have been in the skies, on the frontlines, and providing vital operational support to keep our communities safe.
While OPSEU/SEFPO members continue to do everything they can to contain the crisis, they are once again sounding the alarm on crew shortages, worker safety, and the Ford government’s failure to plan appropriately for yet another severe fire season.
This week, these issues hit the headlines as media outlets echo the warnings OPSEU/SEFPO has been making for years by exposing a neglectful pattern of government underfunding and understaffing in Ontario’s fire response.
First Nations leaders also criticized the inadequacy of the government’s response. Chiefs from northwestern Ontario highlighted the devastating impact of the wildfires on their communities, while recognizing the efforts of overworked and understaffed firefighting employees.
A selection of media highlights are included below.
OPSEU/SEFPO Wildfire Media Highlights
July 16 2026: MEDIA RELEASE: Ontario is burning due to government inaction and poor planning
July 17 2026: TORONTO STAR: Was Ontario prepared for this wildfire season? Doug Ford, critics and experts weigh in
July 17 2026: NATIONAL OBSERVER: Ford defends wildfire budget that may have left crews under-prepared
July 18 2026: CBC: Conditions for wildland firefighters ‘extremely challenging’ in northwestern Ontario: union
July 20 2026: AM800: Kyle Horner interviews OPSEU/SEFPO’s Jeremy Rouse
July 20 2026: LFP: Ford defends wildfire response amid criticism from First Nations, firefighters
July 21 2026: COS: Ontario wildland firefighter shortage stokes worker safety fears
July 21 2026: THE SPEC: What are Doug Ford and Mark Carney doing while Ontario burns?
July 22 2026: CBC: First Nation chiefs call for public inquiry into Ontario government’s wildfire response
July 22 2026: GLOBAL NEWS: Ontario forest firefighters warned for years about retention, pay issues
July 22 2026: THE TRILLIUM: Ontario firefighters battling record wildfires 34 crews short of approved staffing levels, union says
July 22 2026: CBC: First Nation chiefs call for public inquiry into Ontario government’s wildfire response
July 25 2026: TFO: « Il n’y a plus rien. Tout est brûlé » : un pompier forestier raconte la réalité du terrain
Striking OPSEU/SEFPO members in community, health and social services mobilize to provide mutual aid
Across the province, striking OPSEU/SEFPO locals are mobilizing to support communities impacted by the wildfires and standing in solidarity with fellow OPSEU/SEFPO members working on the frontlines.
As wildfire smoke hit Thunder Bay, striking workers from OPSEU/SEFPO Local 740 – Community Living Thunder Bay chose to close their picket lines and head to local donation centres, where they volunteered sorting donations for wildfire evacuees.
July 20 2026: EXAMINER: Peterborough donation drive launched to help those affected by northwestern Ontario wildfires
July 22 2026: CBC: Donations pour in for wildfire evacuees in Thunder Bay