The Honourable Pleaman Forsey, Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, today announced the Provincial Government’s commitment to safer communities by further enhancing wildfire suppression and emergency service resources in Labrador.

Minister Forsey made the announcement in Labrador West, joined by Labrador West MHA Joe Power, Wabush Mayor Gertie Canning, and Labrador City Mayor Jordan Brown.

To further support wildfire suppression resources in Labrador, the Provincial Government will:

• Continue the planning process to establish infrastructure in Wabush to support a seasonal presence for a waterbomber in Labrador West.

• Provide $66,500 in fire equipment funding for fire departments in Labrador through the Fire Vehicles and Equipment Fund.

• Purchase two dedicated structural protection units to be positioned in Wabush and Happy Valley-Goose Bay for use throughout Labrador.

• Allocate six new wildland fire fighter positions for Labrador.
• Continue to work closely with communities in Labrador to establish future Community Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Program plans and projects. This will support $150,000 in funding already allocated for projects underway in Labrador City, Port Hope Simpson and Mary’s Harbour.

Information on recent funding allocations to support the province’s wildfire suppression and emergency services resources is provided in the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“In the past days and weeks, I have seen the resilience and cooperation of Labradorians first hand as they manage this incredibly challenging situation. Their commitment to community and to each other is strong and unwavering. Please be assured, our government’s commitment to you and your safety is just as strong. I am pleased to offer this commitment of safer communities and enhanced emergency resources for the Big Land.”
Honourable Pleaman Forsey
Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands

“Labrador’s communities are home to thousands of Newfoundland and Labrador’s residents and support some of the province’s most important infrastructure and industries. We are committed to their safety and to doing all we can to enhance emergency resources for the people and future of our region.”
Joseph Power
MHA for Labrador West

“On behalf of the Town of Wabush, our council, staff and residents, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Minister Forsey and the Provincial Government for their commitment to strengthening wildfire preparedness and emergency response in Labrador West. We are particularly grateful for the decision to once again base a water bomber at the Wabush Airport during wildfire season. This is not simply a matter of convenience – it is truly a matter of safety. This commitment, together with additional investments in wildfire response funding, enhanced training and the addition of six wildland firefighters dedicated to Labrador, represents a significant investment in the safety and resilience of our beautiful communities. We look forward to welcoming the water bomber back to the Wabush Airport and to continuing our partnership in protecting the people and communities in our region.”
Mayor Gertie Canning
Town of Wabush

“The past few weeks have highlighted the importance of having strong wildfire suppression capacity in Labrador. We appreciate the province’s commitment to continue planning for a seasonal water bomber presence in Labrador West, along with additional investments in firefighting personnel, equipment and structural protection resources. We look forward to seeing that work advance and to continuing to work together to strengthen wildfire preparedness and community safety throughout the region.”
Mayor Jordan Brown
Town of Labrador City

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BACKGROUNDER

Notable items previously announced for province-wide wildfire suppression and emergency services support (2026-27).

• $1.7 million for 3,400 sets of wildland coveralls ($500 per set).

• $90,000 for wildfire training.

• $310,000 towards specialized sprinkler trailers to protect critical infrastructure during wildfires.

• $120,000 to upgrade two mobile command trailers.

• $770,000 for four regionally stationed enclosed trailers stocked with equipment and personal protective equipment.

• $300,000 to upgrade technology at the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre so staff can share information and stay connected during emergencies.

• $412,805 for five positions in the Emergency Services Division to assist in policy development, enhance training, and strengthen public safety.

• $4.16 million for the Fire Protection Vehicles and Equipment Grant Program to assist municipalities and volunteer fire departments in purchasing equipment. This is an extra $400,000 over previous budgets.

• $2.9 million for P25 radios to allows for communication between all first responders, providing a vital and secure communications link for all groups responding to emergency situations – especially important in areas where cell service is limited.

• $3,898,700 for the annual Fire Services budget, used to operate the provincial fire commissioner’s office and assistance to municipalities province wide to purchases workers compensation premiums.

• $730,000 to hire 25 wildfire fighters in 2027-28, in addition to 25 fire fighters to be hired in 2026-27.

• An increase of $1.76 million in helicopter support to ensure we can continue timely wildfire responses, wildlife management and resource enforcement efforts.

• $2.26 million announced in the first funding round to help 58 communities develop Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans and Community-based Wildfire Prevention/Mitigation Projects.

• Active engagement with communities to support wildfire prevention programming through FireSmart Canada. Dedicated provincial FireSmart staff are working with communities to help identify and reduce wildfire risks, and we continue to invest in the NL Community Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Program, a community approach to wildfire resilience.