Canada Struggles to Recruit Firefighters Amid Intensifying Wildfires

Canada is facing its worst-ever start to wildfire season, but recruiting firefighters is becoming increasingly difficult due to tight labor markets and the tough nature of the job. Limited resources could threaten Canada's ability to douse fires, which are expected to get bigger and fiercer in future as a result of fossil fuel-driven climate change, risking more damage to communities and disrupting the country's oil and gas, mining and lumber industries. Canada employs around 5,500 wildland firefighters, roughly 2,500 firefighters short of what is needed.