The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has deployed eight more forest fire fighting personnel from the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, to help control forest fires which continue to pose a significant threat to the northwestern region of Ontario. This includes five forest firefighters, two student forest firefighters, and an equipment and crew logistics coordinator who will join other personnel from Atlantic Canada to form a 17-person crew. It is anticipated the deployment will last for 19 days.
In addition to this deployment, another team of seven forest firefighters and two water bombers from this province are currently on deployment in Ontario assisting with ongoing suppression efforts. The firefighters are scheduled to return this weekend, while the water bombers are due back early next week.
The requests for assistance are administered through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, Mutual Aid Resource Sharing (MARS) agreement. This agreement between provinces provides for the efficient sharing of forest firefighting resources where required throughout the country.
Adequate fire suppression resources remain in place throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to manage forest fires. This includes two water bombers, several helicopters and fire fighting staff, strategically located throughout the province.
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“As warm and dry weather conditions result in more forest fires in northwestern Ontario, we are fortunate the situation here in Newfoundland and Labrador allows us to provide additional resources at this time. The deployment of additional personnel is not only providing much-needed assistance to residents of Ontario and fellow forest fire fighters, it also provides an opportunity for crews from this province to obtain valuable, real life experience which will benefit future forest fire suppression efforts here at home.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
– 30 –
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Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre
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Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca