A mutual aid agreement is a formal arrangement between municipalities to provide assistance during emergencies when local resources are insufficient. These agreements specify how communities will share fire departments, emergency medical services, public works equipment, or other resources during major incidents or disasters. Mutual aid ensures that even small municipalities can access adequate emergency response capacity by drawing on neighbouring resources. Agreements typically address response protocols, command structures, liability, cost recovery, and training coordination. Regional mutual aid networks have proven essential during wildfires, floods, and other emergencies overwhelming individual community resources.