Funding provided for Learn Not to Burn

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, and Judy Foote, Minister of Education, were pleased to present $50,000 to the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Chiefs and Fire Fighters for the Learn Not to Burn program. This funding will go toward the hiring of a provincial coordinator for the program.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Chiefs and Fire Fighters is also looking to the private sector for partners to offset the cost of the program. "This is a very valuable program," said Minister Langdon. "I would like to sincerely thank all those who contribute to making the Learn Not to Burn program a success ."

"The Learn Not to Burn program is very important at the elementary school age so that children learn how to react to and prevent fires. I am pleased that we are able to offer the program through the school system," said Minister Foote.

Learn Not to Burn was developed by the National Fire Protection Association and is designed to encourage at home and community participation. "We feel that children and their families will benefit greatly from the Learn Not to Burn program," said Rod Clarke, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Chiefs and Fire Fighters. He commented that although the program is aimed at elementary school students, it offers information about fire safety for people of all ages. 

Many schools throughout the province already have the materials, others will receive them through the implementation of the program.

Photo # 1: (Back L-R) Hubert Sparkes, Executive Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Chiefs and Fire Fighters; Fred Hollett, Fire Commissioner; Sparky; Judy Foote, Minister of Education; Oliver Langdon, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs; Rod Clarke, President NLAFC and FF, Richard Murphy, Director Region 1; Don Currie, Director Region 2. (Front L-R) Joshua Grouchy, Danielle Skanes, Emma Cole, Alyta Langmead. (April 17, 2001)

Media contact: Sean Kelly, Communications, (709) 729-1983.

2001 04 17                              12:35 p.m.