Municipal Affairs
November 19, 2012
Over $23,000 in Equipment Funding for Rural Fire Departments
Continuing the Provincial Government’s commitment to firefighter safety, a number of rural fire departments will see new equipment purchased for their fire halls. Over $23,000 in water-pumping capacity and personal protective equipment has been approved through the Provincial Government’s Firefighting Equipment Assistance Program. The funding, available through Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL), assists communities provide trained firefighters with industry tools.
“Modern equipment helps to protect the personal safety of firefighters as they work to protect our communities,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services. “In addition to the training and guidance provided through Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government is pleased to provide funding assistance to these important municipal volunteers. I thank them for their dedication and commitment to ensuring the safety of their friends and neighbours.”
Four area fire departments have been approved for new firefighting equipment, as outlined below.
| Department | Equipment | Cost- Share Ratio |
Provincial Share |
Project Total |
| Gilliams | Backpack Handy Foam with Tank and Nozzle, 2 air cylinders |
90/10 | $3,136 | $3,636 |
| Channel-Port aux Basques |
3 Bunker Suits (Jackets and Pants) and 3 Helmets |
80/20 | $3,144 | $4,112 |
| La Poile | Portable Pump | 90/10 | $5,233 | $6,083 |
| Ramea | 2 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA) |
90/10 | $8,738 | $10,158 |
Fire departments successful in receiving funding through the FES-NL program have applied for consideration with the support of their municipal councils and commit to cover their portion of the equipment through the previously established provincial/municipal 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 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 19 11:30 a.m.