For new Alberta wildfire fighters, mental health and fatigue are top of mind

More than 500 people have been trained by Alberta Wildfire for this wildfire season, which is already underway in the province. This year, new recruits have been told to prioritize their mental health, as this season is forecast to be intense.Alberta Wildfire recruits are seen during a training exercise in Hinton, Alta. More than 500 people have been trained for this wildfire season, which is already underway in the province.

Aaron Kurd, 26, signed up to be a wildland firefighter after seeing the country's historic wildfire season in 2023. Alberta Wildfire said this season there will be approximately 850 firefighters, including 100 additional firefighters funded by the budget. And because the vegetation hasn't turned green yet, St-Onge said it's a critical time, where fires can ignite and spread quickly and easily.The longer and more intense season could take a toll on firefighters, said Kyle Fitzpatrick, a wildfire training specialist with Alberta Wildfire."It requires us to be very clear about what fatigue and cumulative fatigue looks like.

"These new crew members, they have been learning about safety, and that includes physical safety, as well as psychological safety," she said.

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