Investing in fire protection equipment is critical to the safety of volunteer firefighters in communities across Newfoundland and Labrador. To help further support them in safeguarding their communities, an investment of more than $730,000 was announced to purchase fire protection equipment for 39 volunteer fire departments across the province.

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, made the announcement today during a visit to the Pouch Cove Volunteer Fire Department, which has safely served the residents of Pouch Cove and Bauline for nearly 50 years.

This investment will help enhance the response capabilities of volunteer firefighters within the province through the purchase of protective firefighting equipment such as:

• Bunker gear
• Cylinders
• Portable pumps
• Boots
• Vehicle extraction tools and more

Further information can be found in the backgrounder below.

This builds on funding that was announced in September 2024 to replace over 400 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units through a $4.1 million investment. Budget 2024 also included $400,000 to municipal fire departments to support their response to incidents outside their municipal boundary. As a result, the new allocation for the Outside Municipal Boundary program is $525,000.

The Provincial Government also provides Newfoundland and Labrador Fire Services with approximately $121,000 in annual funding for operating expenses and educational campaigns such as Learn Not to Burn.

Quotes
“Volunteer fire departments are the heart of communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. That’s why our government has doubled the budget for fire protection vehicles and equipment in recent years. For these brave women and men to effectively do their jobs, they need the right tools. This investment will strengthen the level of service our volunteer firefighters provide to communities to support the safety and well-being of residents. Thank you to those volunteers who play a crucial role in public safety.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

“This funding announcement today will not only help fire departments purchase badly needed PPE and equipment, it will help provide an enhanced level of safety that will assist them in doing their job and returning unharmed to their families. Today’s announcement is part of a commitment made to the people who leave their homes at a moment’s notice to answer the call. Our association is very pleased to see this funding getting to our members and we look forward to our continued partnership to enhance fire services throughout the entire province and protect those who serve our communities and highways.”
Duane Antle
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Fire Services Association

“This funding is so important to us and all the fire departments in Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s important for our firefighters to have essential equipment. We need them to be protected with the best of the best. It means a lot to our community and fire department.”
Derek Sullivan
Fire Chief, Pouch Cove Volunteer Fire Department

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BACKGROUNDER