New Firefighting Vehicle Announced for Burgeo

The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, today announced that as part of an unprecedented investment in the municipal fire service, the Town of Burgeo will receive a new fire department vehicle.

“The efforts of volunteer firefighters throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are critical to emergency response,” said Minister O’Brien. “This year our government has committed significant resources to enhance the equipment available to our firefighters and emergency personnel in order to ensure they are prepared for a variety of circumstances.”

Burgeo will receive a new rescue vehicle through a 90/10 cost-share arrangement with the Provincial Government. Public tenders for new firefighting vehicles will be let this summer, with delivery expected in 2012.

“Members of the Burgeo fire service not only provide fire suppression services, they also provide emergency response capacity to approximately 100 kilometres of remote highway,” said Minister O’Brien. “This new rescue vehicle will provide Burgeo emergency personnel with a modern vehicle to respond to highway-related incidents and other emergency situations in the region.”

Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador provides a historic investment in the municipal fire service. The Provincial Government has invested $3.9 million towards new firefighting vehicles, as well as a continued $1 million allocation to fund equipment needs to assist communities. In addition, a new Provincial Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit to acknowledge the commitment of the men and women in the volunteer fire service has been introduced. In total, 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 29                                       11:55 a.m.