The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture:

 Speaker, governments, communities, and residents all have a role to play in protecting against wildfires. With the 2024 forest fire season set to begin May 1 on the island and May 15 in Labrador, I would like to highlight our preparedness efforts and encourage the public to be vigilant in preventing forest fires. With the assistance of funds from Budget 2024, $1.5 million has been invested in new wildland firefighting equipment and a further $1 million has been allocated to match a shared federal funding program to train and equip wildland firefighters.

Forestry personnel were busy throughout the winter conducting training, testing equipment and planning logistics. Currently, we have wildfire suppression teams, water bombers, helicopters, and equipment strategically located throughout the province — ready to respond whenever and wherever they are needed.

Every one of us has a role to play in wildfire prevention. For instance, we can proactively protect our properties by removing leaves and other flammable debris and relocating it to a safe distance from dwellings. When planning an outdoor fire, check the online Provincial Forest Fire Hazard Index maps on the Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website; familiarize yourself with burning regulations; and obtain a permit to burn when it is required.

Before concluding, I would like to thank everyone who puts their lives at risk in this province to fight a wildfire. Your contribution to public safety is immeasurable.

Thank you.