Canadian Armed Forces and first responders team up for training in Wasaga Beach
With fire season just around the corner, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) teamed up with local first responders in Wasaga Beach on Saturday to enhance their readiness in the event of a domestic emergency.
Together, they took part in a joined training exercise to practice their response to a simulated wildfire.
“We need to make sure our people are trained and understand how to work with, communicate with and help to augment civilian governments,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Jason Moriche.
The 200-plus troops from 32 Canadian Brigade Group were joined by Wasaga Beach Firefighters, County of Simcoe paramedics, and OPP officers.
A collaboration between three levels of emergency services Craig Williams, Wasaga Beach fire chief said is a crucial part of responding to a domestic disaster.
“It’s a unique opportunity to train together, we do want to train with the Canadian Armed Forces and be prepared to work collaboratively if we do have a larger emergency," said Williams.
The troops and first responders practiced rescue exercises such as casualty care, evacuation, search-and-rescue, and fighting a simulated wildfire.
“In Canada, we see every year more and more requirements for the armed forces to assist local community partners with responding to natural disasters, these give us proper training situations that can get troops where they need to be when they are deployed in a domestic situation", said Sergeant Scott Morrison.
The wooded area behind the old Wasaga Beach Arena was also an ideal location to simulate the environment of a real-life forest fire.
Saturday’s exercise was the final major exercise of the CAF’s annual training cycle.
The troops will be standing by to respond to any domestic emergencies that could occur throughout the summer, especially after they were simultaneously deployed across the country during last year’s historic fire season.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Blaine Higgs 'furious' over sexual education presentation
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has shared his anger on social media over a presentation in at least four high schools.
Grayson Murray's parents say the two-time PGA Tour winner died of suicide
Grayson Murray's parents said Sunday their 30-year-old son took his own life, just one day after he withdrew from a PGA Tour event.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
2 died in plane crash near Squamish, B.C., police confirm
Two people died after a plane went down in a remote area near Squamish, B.C. on Friday, authorities have confirmed.
Kingston, Ont. tenants fed up with lack of action from landlord over broken floor tiles
Joel Felder and Misti Pitcher have been living in their apartment in Kingston, Ont. for over two years, but the past 12 months have been miserable.
Driver, 18, gets $3,000 ticket, 32 demerit points after speeding on Laval boulevard
A young driver received a hefty fine from Laval police after they say he was driving nearly 100 km/h over the posted speed limit.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
At least 15 dead after severe weather carves path of ruin across multiple U.S. states in the South
Powerful storms killed at least 15 people and left a wide trail of destruction Sunday across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S.
North Korea informs Japan of a plan to launch military spy satellite
North Korea has told Japan it plans to launch a satellite by early next week, an apparent effort to put its second military spy satellite into orbit.