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
Hackers release corporate data stolen from London Drugs
Retailer London Drugs says cybercriminals who stole files from its corporate head office last month have released some of the data after it refused to pay a ransom.
Toronto man falls off his chair after seeing $70M Lotto Max win in his bank account
A Toronto man who won $70 million in a recent Lotto Max draw literally fell off his chair when he saw the funds in his bank account.
Montreal-area high school students protest 'sexist' dress code
Approximately 50 Montreal-area students — the vast majority of them female — were suspended Wednesday after their school deemed the shorts they were wearing were too short. On Thursday, several students staged a walk-out to protest what they believe is a "sexist" dress code that unfairly targets girls.
McDavid scores in 2OT to lift Oilers over Stars in West Final opener
Connor McDavid tipped Evan Bouchard's shot from the boards past Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger 32 seconds into the second overtime to give the Edmonton Oilers a 3-2 win in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final..
'Looking over our shoulders': A killing looms large in a little B.C. town
Something shifted in the pretty little village of Lumby, B.C., after Tatjana Stefanski vanished. It used to be the sort of place where parents let their kids roam free or play in the local creek, but everything has changed.
What is 'slapped cheek disease' and should parents be concerned?
Despite its rough name, experts say most cases of 'slapped cheek disease' are mild and not a cause for concern.
American Airlines retreats after blaming a 9-year-old for not seeing a hidden camera in a lavatory
American Airlines has distanced itself from a court filing in which the carrier said a nine-year-old girl should have noticed there was a camera taped to the seat of an airplane lavatory.
Unknown Newfoundland soldier from the First World War heads back home from France after 100 years
Canadian soldiers and government officials arrived in northeastern France this week for a historic mission: returning an unknown Newfoundland soldier back home.
Calgary Philharmonic takes action following investigation into 'deeply troubling' comments by 2 musicians
The Calgary Philharmonic has confirmed its taking action after controversial online comments made by two members of the orchestra.