City bolsters wildfire response capacity

The City has increased its capacity to respond to wildfire threats by adding the first of two Structural Protection Unit (SPU) trailers to the Whitehorse Fire Department’s fleet of equipment.

SPU trailers are specialized mobile wildfire-response units designed to help firefighters protect homes, businesses, critical infrastructure and other structures threatened by wildfire. The trailers carry equipment such as high-capacity pumps, hoses, sprinklers, water-delivery equipment and other tools that can be rapidly deployed around structures.

SPU trailers are particularly valuable during wildland-urban interface incidents, where radiant heat and wind-driven embers can threaten structures ahead of the main fire front. By strategically deploying sprinkler systems and other equipment, trained crews can create a protective zone around a structure, wet roofs and surrounding areas, and reduce the likelihood of embers igniting combustible materials.

SPUs will provide the Whitehorse Fire Department (WHFD) with a flexible, rapidly deployable capability that can be moved wherever the wildfire threat is greatest. The first SPU trailer is now ready to be deployed, with a second trailer set to be acquired in 2027.

The new SPU trailer will be on display at the Fireweed Community Market on Thursday, September 3. Firefighters from the WHFD will be on hand alongside the City’s FireSmart team. Stop by to learn more how the City is prepared to respond to wildfire threats and what you can do to protect your property.

Contact:
Matthew Cameron
Manager, Strategic Communications
City of Whitehorse
[email protected]
(867) 689-0515