Volunteer fire departments are the heart of communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. It is vital to their safety and performance that volunteer firefighters have the necessary equipment to effectively do their jobs. Today, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced an investment of over $3 million to replace more than 300 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units.

Premier Furey was joined by the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety; Duane Antle, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Fire Services Association; and Leslie Kenny, Fire Chief, Holyrood Fire Department, at an event in Holyrood.

More than 50 volunteer fire departments in Newfoundland and Labrador are currently using a variety of SCBA units that will be discontinued in the coming months. This breathing apparatus is one of the most important pieces of equipment for volunteer firefighters, and protects users against oxygen deficiency, gases and vapors during fires.

This investment builds on the additional budget investments in fire protection vehicles and firefighting equipment – which the Provincial Government doubled to nearly $4 million in 2022.

Quotes
“Volunteer fire departments are the heart of communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. And for these volunteers to effectively do their jobs, we recognize the importance of helping to provide the necessary protective equipment. That is why today’s announcement is so important. It really takes a special type of person to be a firefighter, a person who is compassionate, and one who has a desire to help others.  Firefighters are leaders in our communities, and their crucial role allow the rest of us feel safe and protected at home.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Thank you to the approximately 6,000 volunteer firefighters who give of their time to protect families, homes, and businesses throughout our province. We are grateful to the many sacrifices you and your families make to keep Newfoundlanders and Labradorians safe. One of our Government’s priorities is to help communities be safe and sustainable, and that is why we committed to protecting the hard work and selfless dedication of our volunteer firefighters.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

“The safety of our firefighters is the most important job a fire chief has and it’s the one thing that constantly keeps us up at night. Today’s announcement isn’t just about equipment, it’s about keeping our people safe and getting them home to their families unscathed.”
Duane Antle
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Fire Services Association

-30-

Learn more

Follow us on X @GovNL @JPS_GovNL