Over the past three days, the inaugural First Nations First Responders Gathering was held in Ottawa.
Indigenous fire protection, and emergency responder leadership teamed up to explore options of addressing fire dangers First Nations face.
Those discussions were covered in panels focusing on introducing fire protection legislation, wildfire threats and responses, funding for First Nations fire departments, prevention strategies, and volunteer fire fighting recruitment and more.
A First Nations Fire Protection Strategy for 2023 to 2028 developed by both the Assembly of First Nations and Indigenous Services Canada was also released during the gathering.
Built on earlier versions to combat climate change, the strategy promotes modern technology to plan, track, and manage fire prevention and works to enhance fire safety for off-reserve members.
In addition, $10 million in new funding will go towards initiatives supporting education and prevention, smoke alarm installation, firefighter training, and fire department communication.
