MNRF Fire Management Headquarters

Headquarters Fire Management

Sioux Lookout is home to a brand new Fire Management Headquarters. The Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (MNRF) protects Ontario’s biodiversity while promoting economic opportunities in the resource sector and supporting outdoor recreation opportunities; more specifically, the MNRF protects forests, peoples, and communities through its emergency forest fighting services.

The year-round operations of the Sioux Lookout Fire Management Headquarters are responsible for the operations of the Pickle Lake Attack Base, Socket Lake Forward Attack Base, Savant Lake Forward Attack Base and Cat Lake Forward Attack Base (which is only accessible by air), as well as the year-round operations of the headquarters in Sioux Lookout. Bordered by the Red Lake and Nipigon districts, Sioux Lookout’s area of service is three times the size of Nova Scotia. During the fire season—which runs from April 1 to October 31—the headquarters employs approximately 100 people; during times of escalation, this number increases as the MNRF brings in support staff, escalation planning teams and additional firefighters. The new headquarters features year-round offices for operational staff, a state-of-the-art kitchen (which can service up to 100 staff), a first aid station, a spacious locker room for the firefighters and their equipment, and a briefing/conference room which allows staff to keep updated on the safety and weather conditions within the district. In addition, the technology in the headquarters allows staff to communicate with Community Fire Officers; these contracted liaison staff members work within many northern Indigenous communities and are trained to brief headquarters on the current conditions of their area. These officers work in coordination with the MNRF to ensure the safety of these remote communities and the people who live there. New additions to the site also include four new helipads, a functional fitness centre, and four 10-person bunkhouses on-site. Sioux Lookout’s Fire Management Headquarters also recently partnered with the Sioux Lookout Golf & Curling club for a new FireSmart initiative. In 2016, a number of divot repair boxes were donated by the Fire Management Headquarters to the Golf & Curling Club which featured FireSmart logos as well as important FireSmart information. This initiative both promoted and made available critical FireSmart information to a wide range of male and female, young and old golfers who probably also enjoy other outdoor activities. As Sioux Lookout is an increasingly popular vacation destination, this initiative demonstrates the Fire Management Headquarters’ commitment to ensuring that all members of the community are informed, prepared and safe. Ultimately, the new design of the Headquarters ensures all amenities are centrally-located and that brand new technology is utilized throughout the building. The 2017 fire season was one of the busiest fire seasons on record. Fortunately, Sioux Lookout’s new Fire Management Headquarters enables the hardworking staff of the MNRF to ensure the safety of northwestern Ontario’s forests and communities. *