“We need to show our volunteer firefighter, search and rescue and rescue personnel that they are appreciated for the work that they do. As a country we ask so much of our 89,000-strong volunteer firefighters including those in our community–who also have other jobs,” said Krich.

CFD submitted a petition in support of the proposal to raise the tax credit but also to raise awareness of the decreasing numbers of volunteers willing to step up and serve their communities. Camrose Fire Department, alone, has 30 well trained, dedicated volunteers answering the call to service.

According to the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, the number of volunteer firefighters has been shrinking from 126,000 in 2016 to 89,000 in 2023.

“We are asking the federal government to send a clear message to this country’s firefighter, and to all Canadians, in the budget 2024 that they will stand shoulder to shoulder with us in ensuring the retention of essential personnel by increasing the volunteer firefighter and search and rescue tax credit,” said Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, board of directors president Ken McMullen. “This is a realistic, affordable and necessary step to put Canada first as we approach the next wildfire season.”

Volunteer firefighters and search and rescue personnel dedicate not only their free time but often time away from their own jobs and businesses to provide this essential service to communities throughout Canada, that may otherwise not have fire and emergency response.

History is a stark reminder of how quickly a wildfire can change the face of a community leaving behind a path of destruction and tragedy. If the numbers of volunteer firefighters and search and rescue personnel keeps depleting the risk becomes even more immanent.

On April 10, the federal government indicated that the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit was increased from $3,000 to $6,000.