
The Hidden Toll of Fighting Wildfires: Mental Health Challenges in Wild land Firefighters and Support Staff
- tharry4
- Oct 30, 2024
- 3 min read
The Mental Health Toll of Wildfire Season: Why We Need to Do Better for Our Wildland Firefighters and Support Staff
As wildfire seasons in British Columbia grow more intense and longer each year, the demands placed on wildland firefighters and their support staff have reached unprecedented levels. For those of us who have family and friends fighting these fires—putting themselves on the line to protect communities—this reality is deeply personal. Recently, a presentation by Alexandra Lane, MSc in Psychology from the University of Northern British Columbia, shed light on the mental health outcomes of these brave individuals, and it was eye-opening.

The research Lane shared focused on the mental health of British Columbia Wildfire Service (BCWS) personnel during the 2023 fire season. What she revealed paints a concerning picture: over 60% of participants reported experiencing one or more negative mental health outcomes, with high prevalence rates of PTSD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and even suicide risk. High levels of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use were also common among participants, potentially signalling a reliance on these substances as coping mechanisms.
While wildland firefighting is undoubtedly a high-stress occupation, these statistics bring new urgency to the need for mental health support. A key finding in Lane’s research showed that negative mental health outcomes weren’t confined to frontline firefighters; they also affected the non-suppression personnel who make up about 40% of the workforce. These roles are vital to wildfire management, yet they have been largely overlooked in mental health research.

What’s Causing the Mental Health Crisis?
According to the study, several factors contribute to these troubling outcomes. For many individuals, a history of mental illness or previous trauma increases the risk. At an organizational level, excessive job demands, a lack of career development opportunities, and poor work/life balance exacerbate the strain. Interestingly, the role of direct fire suppression was not a significant predictor for poor mental health—suggesting that both frontline and support staff face unique pressures that are equally impactful.
The Human Cost of an Intensifying Wildfire Season
Those of us with loved ones on the fire line or in supporting roles know the toll that each fire season can take, not only on the individuals involved but on their families and communities. The courage, resilience, and dedication these individuals display are undeniable, but so too are the psychological risks. Lane’s findings highlight the urgent need for better mental health support systems for both suppression and non-suppression personnel. These teams are the backbone of wildfire management, and ensuring their well-being is as essential as any other aspect of fire preparedness.
What Can Be Done?
Comprehensive Mental Health Programs: Support systems need to be in place that address the unique mental health challenges these individuals face, both during and after fire season.
Organizational Change: Reducing job demands, creating clearer paths for career development, and promoting a better work/life balance can help alleviate some of the stress.
Substance Use Support: The high rates of substance use highlight a need for substance use support programs tailored to this high-stress environment.
Wildland firefighting is among the most challenging professions in the world, requiring physical endurance, mental toughness, and the ability to withstand trauma. For those of us with loved ones on the frontlines, the findings of Lane’s research hit close to home. This work is essential, but so is the need to support the well-being of those who undertake it. As fire seasons continue to intensify, our response must evolve to prioritize mental health and resilience for every individual involved.
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