NLIS 5
September 1, 2005
(Natural Resources)
Government acknowledges 100th
anniversary of forest fire patrol
Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources,
acknowledged a historic milestone today on behalf of the Government of
Newfoundland and Labrador as 2005 marks the 100th anniversary of the
establishment of a structured forest firefighting effort in the province.
While the role of forest firefighters and the manner in which they fight forest
fires has undergone significant changes over the past century, Minister Byrne
said the critical role those individuals continue to play in protecting the
province�s valuable forest resource has not changed.
�The protection of our forest resource through our forest fire suppression
program is a vital component of our province�s overall forest ecosystem
management strategy,� said Minster Byrne.
�We are fortunate to have a highly-skilled and professional team of forest
firefighters who are dedicated to protecting the general public, personal
property and our outdoor resources,� said Minister Byrne. �Anyone who has had
their own safety or property threatened by wildfire are fully aware of the
valuable service provided by our forest firefighters. History has taught us that
we must always remain vigilant against the threat posed by wildfires.�
The fire season of 1961, when 265,000 hectares of forest were destroyed by fire,
acted as a real eye opener for the government of the day and resulted in a
significant upgrade of the province�s forest fire fighting capacity. To assist
with the effort of front-line forest firefighters, government purchased two
water bombers, three aircraft and a helicopter. In addition, improvements were
made by improving weather forecasting systems, establishing a forest fire index
system and updating communication equipment.
Today the province has 109 seasonal forest firefighting staff along with seven
permanent staff positions employed as part of the forest fire suppression
program. They operate out of 24 forest fire depots strategically located
throughout the province. In addition, the province operates six CL-215 water
bombers, a Cessna spotter aircraft and has four Bell 206L helicopters at its
disposal.
According to Minister Byrne, government has been actively working over the past
several years to enhance the province�s forest firefighting management
capability.
�The Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Service in cooperation with Natural
Resources Canada and their provincial and territorial counterparts are
participating in the development of a Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy [CWFS],�
said Minister Byrne. �The strategy will aim to increase public safety from
wildfire, enhance the health and productivity of our forests and improve the
effectiveness, efficiency and adaptability of wildland fire management
organizations.�
Minister Byrne also praised the efforts of the Newfoundland and Labrador Forest
Protection Association and the Newfoundland and Labrador Wildfire Fighters
Association as both organizations play a key role in promoting forest fire
prevention and continue to support the need for efficient and effective fire
suppression services.
�While there are instances where forest fires are started by natural events,
human activity in our forests is also a contributing factor,� said Minister
Byrne. �I encourage all users to exercise caution when taking advantage of our
natural environment.�
Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-5282, 685-4624
2005 09 01
2:05 p.m. |