Municipal Affairs
November 16, 2012
Further Advancements in Firefighter Safety Announced for Gander District
In continuing efforts to enhance firefighter safety throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, firefighting equipment valued at more than $34,000 is being provided to two fire departments in Gander District. The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, today announced funding through the Provincial Firefighting Equipment Financial Assistance Program.
“Providing avenues to assist our communities to equip firefighters with the tools needed to protect life and property is a priority for the Provincial Government,” said Minister O’Brien. “Building on the work underway through Fire and Emergency Services -Newfoundland and Labrador in training and fire department management, these strategic investments continue to build a solid foundation for safety. The dedicated volunteers in fire departments across our province continue to provide a very important service to residents and I am pleased to support their efforts.”
Two fire departments have applied and been approved for new firefighting equipment, as follows:
| Department | Equipment | Cost- Share Ratio |
Provincial Share |
Project Total |
| Gander | 5 self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) |
70/30 | $17,527 | $26,199 |
| Glenwood | Firefighting hose and associated nozzles |
90/10 | $7,396 | $8,599 |
Fire departments successful in receiving funding have applied for consideration with the support of their municipal councils and commit to cover their portion of the equipment through the previously established cost share ratios.
Budget 2012: People and Prosperity maintains $1.7 million in annual funding for firefighting infrastructure in addition to a $500,000 annual investment in firefighting equipment.
Since the creation of Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) in 2007, the Provincial Government has contributed more than $14.2 million towards new firefighting vehicles and in excess of $4 million for equipment, with a particular focus on personal protective equipment. Combined with the municipal contribution, more than $20 million in new equipment has been provided to community fire halls throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
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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
2012 11 16 3:25 p.m.