August 22, 2014
Investments in Fire Protection Enhance Safety
Funding of Nearly $20,000 to Enhance Fire Services in District of Torngat Mountains
The Provincial Government is investing over $20,000 to enhance firefighting capabilities in the communities of Hopedale and Nain. The funding will be used for the purchase of a new all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with tracks to transport firefighting equipment for the community of Hopedale, and four sets of personal protective equipment for Nain.
“This is the second announcement of an ATV for use by the fire service in this province. This new piece of equipment will be an important addition to the Hopedale fire department and will assist volunteer firefighters, particularly in areas difficult to access by road. In addition, the personal protective equipment for Nain will make a significant difference in the safety of firefighters as they work to safeguard residents and families.”
- The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services-NL
Both the ATV and the personal protective equipment will be cost-shared, with the Provincial Government providing 90 per cent of the funding and the community covering the remaining 10 per cent.
“The fire services being provided in both Hopedale and Nain are essential, and volunteers in both Inuit communities will benefit greatly from these investments. This announcement demonstrates our commitment to support the work of firefighters in Labrador, as they protect communities under difficult and challenging conditions.”
- The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook includes $5 million in fire vehicle and equipment funding.
Since 2003, the Provincial Government contributed to the purchase of over 125 emergency response vehicles for communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
QUICK FACTS
- An investment of over $20,000 will be used to purchase four sets of personal protective equipment for Nain and an ATV for Hopedale.
- Through Budget 2014, over $5 million is being invested to support fire protection services and the purchase of equipment and vehicles across the province.
- There are approximately 5,900 volunteer firefighters supporting approximately 272 fire departments province-wide.
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Media contacts:
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Kelly Maguire Manager of Communications Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-0857 KellyMaguire@gov.nl.ca |
Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
2014 08 22 9:55 p.m.