More than $630,000 announced for fire protection in Conception Bay North

More than $630,000 in provincial funding has been announced for fire protection vehicles and equipment serving communities in the Conception Bay North region.

Forestry, Agriculture and Lands Minister Pleaman Forsey made the announcement in South River, with funding going to three volunteer fire departments.

The Bay de Grave Volunteer Fire Department will receive $616,647 toward the purchase of a tanker/two-door fire truck.

The Conception Harbour Volunteer Fire Department will receive $8,893.51 for fire equipment, while the Harbour Main-Chapel's Cove-Lakeview Fire Department will receive $5,072.39 for equipment.

Forsey was joined at the announcement by Justice and Public Safety Minister and Harbour Main MHA Helen Conway Ottenheimer, Bay de Grave Fire Chief Jim Edmunds, and representatives from the other two volunteer departments.

The provincial government said the funding will strengthen fire protection services in southern Conception Bay North, improve emergency response capabilities and help volunteer firefighters protect residents and communities.

Additional funding for firefighting resources in other regions of the province is expected to be announced soon.

“Our province’s volunteer firefighters are ready to respond to any and all emergencies whenever the need arises,” Forsey said.

“We have a duty to ensure they are well equipped and prepared to do so safely and effectively.”

Forsey said the funding would provide volunteer firefighters with resources to support their communities and carry out their work.