WHITEHORSE — The Canadian government is providing $16 million over five years to help the Yukon increase its capacity to fight wildland fires.
A statement from Natural Resources Canada says the Yukon government is contributing a further $5 million to the initiative through an agreement struck under Canada's Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program.
The federal statement says the money will help purchase firefighting equipment such as personal protective gear, utility vehicles and weather stations.
The territory has already used the funding to buy pumps, hoses and radios, as well as structural protection trailers and equipment.
The funds will also be used for hiring and training wildland firefighters.
The federal and territorial governments say the initiative will enhance safety for firefighters and communities and improve wildfire resource sharing across Canada.
Brendan Hanley, member of Parliament for the Yukon, issued a statement welcoming the funding and saying the northern territory offers "a unique perspective on Canada's rapidly changing climate and the effects of wildfires."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 21, 2024.
The Canadian Press
