More than $626,000 announced for fire protection in St. Anthony, Port aux Choix

More than $626,000 in provincial funding is being provided to improve fire protection in St. Anthony and Port aux Choix.

The funding comes through the Provincial Government’s Fire Vehicles and Equipment Grant Fund.

The St. Anthony Fire Department is receiving more than $616,000 toward the purchase of a new pumper truck, while the Port aux Choix Volunteer Fire Department is receiving more than $10,000 for fire equipment.

Forestry, Agriculture and Lands Minister Pleaman Forsey and Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Minister Andrea Barbour announced the funding.

Officials were joined by St. Anthony Fire Department Chief Corwin Randell and department members, along with representatives of the Port aux Choix Volunteer Fire Department.

The province says the investments will improve the departments’ emergency response capabilities and help provide fire protection services in the two communities.

“Keeping communities safe requires well-equipped fire departments,” Forsey said. “Investments in fire protection vehicles and equipment enhance emergency response capabilities, support firefighters in carrying out their duties safely and help protect lives and property.”