Communities Supported with Investments for Firefighting Infrastructure Programs

Over $1.8 million Invested in New Emergency Response Vehicles and Firefighting Equipment in 2013

The Provincial Government continued to deliver on its commitment to enhance public safety in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador this past year through firefighting infrastructure programs valued at approximately $1.8 million. Eight new emergency response vehicles were purchased and over 30 communities received new firefighting equipment through cost-sharing arrangements with the Provincial Government in 2013.

“Fire protection is a critical service for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. For this reason, in 2013, our government continued to invest in new emergency response vehicles and firefighting equipment for communities and fire departments across the province. In total, 45 communities have entered into cost-sharing agreements that will see fire protection and emergency services improved over time when new trucks and equipment are delivered and put into use.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador

Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future contained $1.5 million for the purchase of new fire trucks and emergency response vehicles and $380,000 for new firefighting equipment. Projects approved over the last year complement and add to the significant investments already made in firefighting infrastructure. Since 2010, over 300 requests to cost-share firefighting equipment have been approved, valued at more than $3 million, and over 40 communities have been assisted in replacing outdated emergency response vehicles at a cost of more than $11 million.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• Budget 2013 contained $1.5 million for the purchase of new fire trucks and emergency response vehicles and $380,000 for new firefighting equipment.
• Eight new emergency response vehicles were purchased and over 30 communities benefitted from investments in Budget 2013.
• Since 2010, over 300 requests to cost-share firefighting equipment have been approved, valued at more than $3 million, and over 40 communities have been assisted in replacing outdated emergency response vehicles at a cost of more than $11 million.
• There are approximately 6,000 volunteers supporting approximately 280 fire departments province-wide.

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Media contact:
Bradley Power
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 699-5707
bradleypower@gov.nl.ca 

2014 01 03             3:55 p.m.