Province upgrading two fire bases to strengthen Ontario’s wildland fire operations and keep communities safe
The Ontario government is investing more than $20 million to upgrade the Vedette and Socket Lake Forward Attack Bases, two critical wildland fire management facilities that are strategically located to deploy fire crews, equipment and aircraft in Northwestern Ontario. This investment will strengthen Ontario’s world-class wildland fire operations by ensuring these vital response hubs can continue to position resources close to fires where they are needed most, helping keep residents and communities safe.
“Ontario’s dedicated fire crews and pilots are the heroes on the frontlines protecting Ontario during fire season,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “Our government is sparing no expense to ensure they have the tools they need, including upgraded facilities to keep people safe now and for years to come.”
Construction is underway to rebuild and modernize both forward attack bases, with work expected to be complete ahead of the 2027 fire season. Once complete, they will be equipped with new staff accommodations, improved operational facilities, upgraded electrical and plumbing and new technologies, which will allow for quicker deployment of critical resources to protect communities during fire season.
Ontario is also preparing to upgrade additional wildland fire management facilities across the province, including bases in Ranger Lake and Ogoki.
“Our government is ensuring communities have the resources and support they need to prepare for and respond to wildland fires,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “The wildland fires that impacted Northwestern Ontario earlier this summer underscored the importance of preparedness and strong partnerships. Ontario remains committed to working with municipalities, First Nation communities and emergency management partners to support communities when emergencies occur.”
Today’s announcement builds on the government’s significant investments in Ontario’s wildland fire program. This includes doubling the year-start emergency firefighting budget from $70 million to $150 million, along with a historic $650 million investment to expand the province’s aerial firefighting fleet with six new waterbombers and five new helicopters.
Quick Facts
- The province employs hundreds of highly trained staff across 14 fire management headquarters, three attack bases, 15 forward attack bases, two regional fire centres, one provincial fire centre, one emergency operations centre, three logistics centres, seven aircraft hangars and one flight training centre. Together, these resources support the coordinated protection of 90 million hectares of public land in Ontario.
- Ontario’s world-class fire program has a fleet of 28 specialized aircraft used to fight wildland fires and support other natural resource and emergency responses.
- Since 2024, more than 170 permanent fire management positions have been added to strengthen Ontario’s frontline workforce, alongside increased compensation for critical staff including firefighters and pilots.
- Throughout the 2026 fire season, Ontario has seen 786 wildland fires and over 744,222 hectares burned.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
