Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Receive Record Number of FireSmart Canada Grants

  • Fisheries and Land Resources
  • Municipal Affairs and Environment

June 12, 2019

Twelve communities in Newfoundland and Labrador have received FireSmart Canada grants to fund local projects to help reduce the risk of wildfire damage to homes and communities. This is the highest number of grants ever awarded in the province under this program, thanks in part to promotional assistance from the Fire, Emergency and Corporate Services Branch of the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment.

The communities of Bishop’s Falls, Botwood, Gander, George’s Brook-Milton, Green’s Harbour, L’Anse au Clair, Lark Harbour, Lethbridge, Roddickton-Bide Arm, Sheaves Cove, Springdale and Steady Brook have each received a $500 FireSmart Canada grant. Funding will be used to purchase supplies and equipment for community clean-ups, information and training sessions, and promotional materials.

The Department of Fisheries and Land Resources has been a proud sponsor of FireSmart Canada’s Community Recognition Program since 2013. The program helps community organizations host events that promote wildfire prevention and awareness. Grants are provided by Partners in Protection, a national organization committed to ensuring communities safety from wildfires, and are used to plan community activities that encourage residents to participate in fire safety.

Quotes
“I am pleased that so many communities have stepped up to take part in FireSmart Canada activities as part of a national effort to reduce the risk and impacts of wildfire on our homes and communities. A record number of communities in this province have applied for and received FireSmart grants this year based on the strength of their project proposals. Their community spirit and commitment to safety is commendable, and I thank all participating communities for taking on this important work.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources

“I congratulate the 12 recipients on being awarded FireSmart Canada grants. Our government is proud to support communities and to highlight the importance of fire protection and fire prevention in keeping these communities safe.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment

“I am thrilled with Newfoundland and Labrador’s active engagement with FireSmart Canada this year. The number of applications doubled and the awards have increased from three to 12. It is great to see so many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians being ‘FireSmart,’ and I look forward to seeing these community events come to life over the coming months.”
Joe Russell
Provincial FireSmart Liaison

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Media contact
Linda Skinner
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca

Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca
709-729-5449, 691-9466

Joe Russell
Provincial FireSmart Liaison
jrussell@gov.nl.ca
709-637-2916

2019 06 12 11:15 am