Work progressing on Atlantic Wildfire Centre

As forest fire season drags on across the province, the province has provided an update on the work on the Atlantic Wildfire Centre.

Resource Planning Group Inc. has a contract for $183,025 to develop a plan for the centre’s design phase. A design for infrastructure to improve support for aerial assets is being developed for the Gander and Wabush Airports.

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada has a contract for $14.8 million to repair the province’s damaged CL-415 water bomber. Work will be done in-province by subcontractor PAL Aerospace.

The Provincial Government is in the process of procuring two “bird dog” (spotter) aircraft to increase air services.

Firefighting equipment including fire trucks, command trailers, sprinklers, weather stations, and Nomex suits have been procured.

Extensive training has been provided to department wildfire-fighting staff.

Budget 2025 allocates $4.2 million towards the Atlantic Wildfire Centre, with a total federal-provincial commitment of $32 million until 2030 to increase resources, enhance training and strengthen the province’s ability to tackle wildfires at home and away.

More than 60 wildfires have been recorded on the Island of Newfoundland so far this season. One fire has been reported in Labrador to date.