Over $116,000 Invested in Firefighting Equipment on the West and Southwest Coasts
Firefighting equipment valued at more than $136,000 will benefit a number of communities along the west and southwest coasts, as the Provincial Government continues its focus on firefighter safety.
“The personal safety of firefighters throughout Newfoundland and Labrador is a focus of our government, as we continue to build on the progress we have made over the last few years,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services. “We recognize the need in rural fire departments and are committed to working with municipal councils, regional boards, and local service district committees to help determine the best solutions for the benefit of residents. I am please to announce we will provide more than $116,000 to purchase protective equipment and life-saving tools throughout the region, with our community partners contributing the remaining funds.”
Eleven fire departments will acquire new firefighting equipment as follows:
Department | Equipment | Cost-Share Ratio | Provincial Share | Project Total |
Benoit’s Cove | Portable pump, suction hose, foot value and strainer | 90/10 | $4,217 | $4,902 |
Cox’s Cove | 2 Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA) | 90/10 | $8,155 | $9,480 |
Gilliams | 2 SCBA, 2 air cylinders | 90/10 | $9,380 | $10,904 |
Irishtown- Summerside | 2 SCBA | 90/10 | $8,009 | $9,311 |
McIvers | 2 SCBA | 90/10 | $10,294 | $11,966 |
York Harbour | 2 SCBA | 90/10 | $9,720 | $11,299 |
Channel-Port aux Basques | 3 Bunker jackets and pants, 2 SCBA | 80/20 | $9,283 | $12,140 |
Belleoram | 2 Bunker jackets and pants, 18 horse power portable pump | 90/10 | $7,631 | $8,870 |
Seal Cove, Fortune Bay | 6 Complete bunker suits | 90/10 | $9,505 | $11,050 |
St. George’s | Hydraulic rescue tool | 90/10 | $18,468 | $21,470 |
Stephenville Crossing | 8 Complete bunker suits, 2 SCBA | 90/10 | $22,016 | $25,594 |
Funding for these equipment acquisitions comes from the Provincial Firefighting Equipment Financial Assistance Program administered by Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL). Fire departments successful in receiving funding have applied for the program with the support of their municipal council and have committed to cover their portion of the equipment through the previously established cost share ratios.
Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador maintains a $1 million allocation to fund equipment needs to assist communities, as part of an unprecedented investment in the municipal fire service. Additionally, $3.9 million has been allocated for new firefighting vehicles and a new Provincial Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit introduced to acknowledge the commitment of the men and women in the volunteer fire service. This year, the Provincial Government has allocated more than $6 million towards the municipal fire service this year.
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Media contact:
Cheryl Gullage Public Relations Specialist Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-0857, 631-9962 cherylgullage@gov.nl.ca |
2011 08 12 2:15 p.m.