Protecting vast wilderness areas from devastating wildfires requires optimized mobile camp solutions accommodating frontline fire crews deployed to remote terrain on short notice. As a leader in western Canada’s forestry protection industry, Allied Forestry Services relies on flexible modular accommodations through long fire seasons across challenging geographic footprints.

Allied’s previous mixture of seasonal outpost lodges and basic expedition tents strained capacity limits without operational efficiencies. Evaluating specialized partner options identified modular specialist Lida Group delivering industry-leading portable, energy efficient building solutions tailored for tough terrains and tight schedules.

A strategic investment was planned trialing Lida’s proprietary insulated sandwich panel (SIP) construction deployed rapidly via trailered modules. Floor, wall and roof panels continuously laminate rigid foam insulation between precision-fit metal skins creating integrated, weatherproof structures. Foundationless engineering allows relocating entire buildings between remote fire grounds.

First, ten sleeping bunkhouses accommodating twenty firefighters each were commissioned. Sips construct durable 120 m2 floorplans integrating plumbing, electrical, climate systems and finishes. Bunks loft overhead off unfinished interiors optimized to stow gear/equipment. Integrated trailer substructures simplify transport and leveling on-site.

Production commenced at Lida’s B.C. facility supported by virtual design revisions between contractors familiarizing with firefighter operational needs. Within six weeks modular bunkhouses completed factory winterization and load testing before trailer caravans immediately deployed the first units deep into mountainous forest service roads.

Civil forestry crews rapidly graded simple gravel foundations allowing rapid dismount and set up at forward operating bases under Allied supervision using Lida guidance documentation. Electrified, pressurized and climate controlled shelters provided toasty -50°C refuge to frontline crews staging 24/7 deployment rotations through grueling fire seasons.

Response exceeded expectations, eliminating tent camp setup delays jeopardizing critical early attack stages. Foundationless relocation adapts flexible mobile footprint between regions as evolving wildfire threats dictate. Civil works invest minimal effort repositioning shelters efficiently on graded footings.

With season one trial proven, Lida expanded the solution through three additional years. Trailed recreational vehicles facilitate recreation/dining together. Waste lagoons treat black/greywater sustainably at remote sites. Command modules coordinate logistics among hundreds deploying to dozens of active wildfires annually across Western provinces.

In reflection, Lida’s mobile modular shelters transformed Allied’s firefighting abilities through optimized staff comfort, fast deployment logistics and enhanced wildfire protection capabilities in tough-access regions. Durable SIPs outlast conventional tent structures through punishing wildfire environments and terrain challenges, streamlining annual replacement and refurbishment costs.

In summary, Lida Group delivered the specialized portfolio of foundationless portable buildings providing reliable, comfortable and operationally efficient accommodations empowering wildland firefighters on the frontlines. Pandemic SIPs weatherproof shelters traversing rugged terrain while serving as fully-serviced homes away from home. Rapid prototyping through virtual collaboration optimized shelter designs. Going forward, Allied Forestry Services will continue expanding the mobile seasonal camp program standardized with Lida Group—sustaining Western Canada’s wilderness protection for generations to come.

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