Local veteran firefighter Bob Bishop with a table full of his firefighting equipment and memorabilia. Photo by William Crooks

Local veteran firefighter talks causes and potential solutions

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

As reports circulate on the rising wildfire problem in Canada, including shocking video of the devastation in Jasper, Alberta, climate change is blamed as the primary culprit. But some experts identify different causes and offer alternate solutions.

In a July 25 interview, Bob Bishop, a seasoned veteran firefighter (now working with Bury’s fire department) with over six decades of experience, shared his extensive knowledge and observations on the current state of wildfires, particularly in Canada.

Bishop, who began his career at the Ontario Forest Ranger School in 1967, has fought fires across the country, from small townships to vast crown forest lands. His deep understanding of the causes of wildfires, coupled with his experience in various firefighting roles, provide a valuable perspective on an issue that is sometimes solely attributed to climate change.

A storied career in firefighting

Bishop’s journey in firefighting started in Ontario and extended to various regions, including Attawapiskat, Thunder Bay, and Espanola, where he served as a fire protection supervisor for a large timber company. Over the years, he witnessed the evolution of firefighting techniques and equipment.

He recounted his early days, “I worked for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, starting as a crewman and eventually becoming a senior fire officer at a fire base near the Manitoba border.” His responsibilities included directing water bombers as an air attack officer and supervising a team of firefighters and equipment operators.

One of the significant fires Bishop worked on was the Whistle Lake fire in Thunder Bay, where he spent 19 days. “We had to roll up 72 miles of hose after that fire,” he recalled, noting the challenges posed by mosquitoes and other harsh conditions.

Throughout his career, Bishop was involved in various aspects of firefighting, from small fires to major project fires that lasted weeks. His diverse roles included working as an air attack officer and later as a fire protection supervisor for a large timber company in Espanola. “We actioned a lot of fires and actually got them out before the ministry was required,” he recalled, highlighting the proactive approach taken during his tenure.

Causes of wildfires: Beyond climate change

While acknowledging the impact of climate change on the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, Bishop emphasized that it is not the sole factor. He pointed out other significant contributors, such as human activities and outdated firefighting practices and equipment. “There’s no doubt about climate change; we’re getting bigger, more fires every year. But it’s not just that,” Bishop asserted.

One of the primary causes of wildfires, according to Bishop, is lightning strikes, which account for at least 50 per cent of wildfires in Canada. “In the U.S., more fires are started by people, but they also get lightning too,” he added.

Other human-induced factors include sparks from railway tracks, particularly during welding activities, and careless practices in forest operations. Bishop noted, “Railways can start fires from sparks off the track, especially during hot welding on old rail beds. Similarly, bulldozers working on scarification can hit rocks and start fires when it’s dry.”

He also mentioned that fishermen setting up campfires for shore lunches can inadvertently start fires if they are not careful. “There’s a whole bunch of causes,” Bishop said, stressing that these factors are often overlooked in the broader discussion about wildfire causes.

Technical insights and equipment

Bishop offered a detailed comparison between wildland and structural firefighting equipment. He explained that wildland hoses are generally lighter and use different couplings than structural hoses, which are heavier and designed to withstand rough conditions. “Most of the time we use inch-and-a-half forestry hose with quarter-turn couplings. The hose is much lighter for wildland use, and it actually percolates to prevent burning if dragged through a small fire,” he explained.

He also highlighted the importance of using modern pumps and equipment in firefighting. One of his favorite pumps is a portable pump weighing only 17 pounds. “That little pump can pump a thousand feet of hose and provide good working pressure. It’s very effective for smaller fires or when used in the back of a truck,” Bishop noted.

Innovative solutions and challenges

Bishop is a strong advocate for the use of modern technologies and materials to combat wildfires more effectively. He highlighted the potential of newer fire retardants which he claimed could be two to three times more effective than the long-standing chemicals used in water bombers. “[These retardants are] a water-based gel that makes the water much more effective and allows it to stay longer, not evaporating as quickly,” he explained.

Despite its demonstrated efficacy and environmental safety, Bishop lamented the lack of adoption, particularly in Canadian provinces. “We got one province, Saskatchewan, to use it. They were very impressed, but for some reason, we couldn’t get other provinces on board,” he said.

Bishop described his efforts to promote a type of this gel across Canada and the United States, detailing his disappointment that more regions did not adopt it despite its effectiveness. “We traveled from New Brunswick to British Columbia and even to the United States to introduce this product. Unfortunately, we only got Saskatchewan to use it extensively,” he said.

Importance of external sprinklers

Another practical solution Bishop suggested is the use of exterior sprinklers to protect homes and buildings from wildfires. He shared an example from Red Lake, Ontario, where sprinklers saved a fishing camp from an approaching fire. “Even something as simple as an exterior sprinkler can protect your structure. They are not expensive and can significantly reduce fire damage,” he explained, frustrated that more communities are not adopting such measures.

He elaborated on how these systems work, describing how sprinklers can protect structures by keeping them wet and preventing embers from igniting roofs or walls. “Sprinklers like these can make a huge difference. In many cases, they can reduce fire damage to buildings by up to 80 per cent,” Bishop emphasized.

The need for modernization

Bishop stressed the importance of updating firefighting resources and infrastructure to match the evolving challenges posed by wildfires. He recalled the efficient network of small fire bases that once dotted Ontario, providing quick responses to fire reports.

However, these have been replaced by larger, centralized bases, which Bishop believes has led to slower response times. “We used to have little bases all over the place, and they took them out because they said they were too expensive. But now, with these giant bases, the response time has increased,” he observed.

The veteran firefighter also underscored the importance of modern communication and tracking technologies. He cited advancements such as lightning detection systems and predictive fire behavior models developed by the Canadian Forest Service, which can forecast a fire’s path and speed based on weather conditions and fuel types. “These capabilities are great, but they weren’t around in my early days,” Bishop noted, emphasizing the need for continued innovation.

Bishop also mentioned the importance of having tin roofs on buildings in fire-prone areas and the use of materials that do not easily catch fire. He highlighted that even with modern technology, simple precautions can make a significant difference in preventing fire damage.

A call for action

As wildfires continue to pose a significant threat, Bishop’s insights and recommendations highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to firefighting that goes beyond addressing climate change. He calls for the adoption of new technologies, improved infrastructure, and better public awareness and preparedness measures. “It’s not just about the number of fires; it’s about how we respond to them. We need to be proactive and use the best tools available,” he said.