Firefighters heading to British Columbia to assist with forest fires

Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods Rick Woodford today announced that 10 firefighters with the department will travel to British Columbia this weekend to assist with the forest fires in that province.

The minister said, "The Canadian Interagency Fire Centre [CIFFC] has requested a 20-person crew from Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia to assist with fires in the Kamloops area. We will supply 10 firefighters from our eastern and central regions. They will meet up with the Nova Scotia crew tomorrow in Halifax and from there will travel to British Columbia."

Minister Woodford said the department�s firefighters will be in British Columbia for approximately two weeks. "Our firefighters will work as a sustained action crew building fire lines, suppressing hot spots and flare-ups with ground equipment. They will also be assisting in protecting property."

Minister Woodford added, "This movement of personnel is made possible through our membership in the Canadian Interagency Fire Centre. All provinces and territories are members of the agency and the assistance being provided to British Columbia during this time is an excellent example of ongoing interprovincial cooperation."

Minister Woodford wished the firefighters well as they join other fire crews from across Canada in assisting with the forest fires in British Columbia. The minister also acknowledged the commitment of all members of the department�s fire suppression team for their efforts and readiness to protect the public and our forest resources at home and abroad.

Media contact:

Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-6183
Eric Young, Provincial Fire Duty Officer (709) 637- 2246 or 632-1153.

2003 08 08                                       3:45 p.m.