Media and Press
Harold R. Larson has been featured in national media, investigative journalism, public policy discussions, and broadcast coverage related to wildfire operations and workforce advocacy.
His work and perspective have been highlighted across major Canadian news outlets, podcasts, and public forums, contributing to national conversations on wildfire leadership, firefighter retention, and the growing demands of modern wildfire response.
Addressing Federal Leaders on Wildfire Support — Parliament Hill Speech Broadcast Nationally
Harold Larson participated in a national delegation on Parliament Hill calling for stronger federal support for wildland firefighters across Canada.
Speaking alongside wildfire survivors and advocates, the delegation addressed federal leaders on the growing demands placed on wildfire personnel and the need for improved resources, staffing, and long-term workforce support.
The address was broadcast nationally on CPAC, Canada’s parliamentary affairs network, documenting the call for federal action as wildfire seasons continue to intensify across the country.
National Op-Ed Published in Major Canadian Newspapers
A nationally syndicated opinion piece called for wildland firefighters to be formally recognized as first responders across Canada.
Harold Larson’s op-ed emphasized the importance of recognizing wildland firefighters as frontline emergency responders and called for meaningful long-term investment in workforce stability, training, and retention.
Published in the Calgary Herald, Edmonton Journal, & Vancouver Sun.
Featured on Global News — Calling for Federal Support for Wildland Firefighters
Harold Larson was featured in national news coverage highlighting a petition calling for increased federal support for wildland firefighters across Canada.
The article documented advocacy efforts on Parliament Hill, where firefighters and supporters called for improved training, equipment, pay, and long-term workforce support as wildfire seasons continue to intensify.
Reported in The Narwhal — Wildland Firefighter Burnout
Wildland firefighter burnout and mental health challenges were explored in a national feature examining the long-term effects of repeated wildfire deployments.
The article documented the cumulative physical and psychological toll experienced by wildfire personnel, including extended shifts, repeated exposure to traumatic incidents, and the growing pressure created by increasingly intense fire seasons. Harold Larson highlighted the need for stronger long-term support systems and improved recognition of the mental health impacts associated with wildfire work.
Profiled by My Climate Plan — A Veteran Firefighter’s Battle for Change
A national feature article explored the long-term challenges faced by wildland firefighters and the growing pressures created by longer, more demanding wildfire seasons.
The piece highlighted the physical and mental strain associated with extended deployments, as well as the importance of improving workforce retention through better support systems, training, and long-term investment in wildfire personnel.
Spirit of NAIT Alumni Award Recognition — NAIT Alumni
Recognition through the Spirit of NAIT Alumni Award highlighted long-term contributions to wildfire response, leadership, and community protection.
The feature explored a career spent leading wildfire crews across Canada, the United States, and Australia, emphasizing the importance of leadership, teamwork, and environmental awareness in high-risk wildfire operations. The profile also reflected on the role education played in advancing leadership skills and strengthening operational decision-making in complex wildfire environments.
