The Honourable Pleaman Forsey, Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, is announcing funding for fire departments in the province that sustained damage to equipment while helping fight the 2025 Kingston area wildfires.
This investment will help replace and reinforce resources to strengthen fire protection services in Newfoundland and Labrador, enhance emergency response capabilities, and protect residents and communities.
The Provincial Government is investing nearly $308,000 to help cover the cost of damaged or lost equipment and/or fuel costs for 23 fire departments. Details are provided in the backgrounder below.
Budget 2026 provides more than $7 million to support volunteer fire departments through investments in equipment, supplies, and training to help keep residents and communities safe.
Quotes
“The show of support from fire departments throughout the province during the Kingston wildfires last summer is a true testament to the generosity and community spirit of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. This funding will help ensure the firefighters who assisted friends in need last year have the resources they require to continue protecting and supporting their own regions.”
Honourable Pleaman Forsey
Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands
“Today’s funding announcement demonstrates our Provincial Government’s commitment to supporting fire departments and ensuring they have the resources they need to be ready to answer the call. Firefighters are true heroes in our communities, going above and beyond to protect and serve when their neighbours need them most. The number of firefighters, equipment, and resources that came together to respond to the North Shore fires last year was a testament to their dedication, courage, and unwavering commitment to our communities. We are proud to stand behind our firefighters and support the vital work they do every day.”
MHA Riley Balsom
Parliamentary Secretary for the Premier and MHA for Carbonear – Trinity – Bay de Verde
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BACKGROUNDER
2025 Kingston Wildfire Damaged Equipment Claims
- Bay de Verde Fire Department: $105,659.50, including $100,000 for a response vehicle
- Seaside Fire Department: $30,989.00
- Trinity South Central Fire Department: $26,996.14
- North Shore Fire Department: $23,603.27
- Heart’s Delight-Islington Fire Department: $17,648.47
- Grand Falls-Windsor Fire Department: $14,181.39
- Harbour Grace Fire Department: $11,983.19
- Salmon Cove Fire Department: $11,843.20
- John’s Regional Fire Department: $10,887.50
- Hant’s Harbour Fire Department: $10,101.63
- Old Perlican Fire Department: $5,345.00
- Gambo Fire Department: $5,140.96
- Witless Bay Fire Department: $4,925.00
- Trinity Bay North Fire Department: $4,524.97
- Torbay Fire Department: $4,050.87
- Winterton Fire Department: $4,043.40
- Victoria Fire Department: $3,966.54
- Carbonear Fire Department: $3,314.63
- Conception Bay South Fire Department: $2,850.00
- Bay Roberts Fire Department: $2,147.68
- Pouch Cove Fire Department: $1,679.40
- Portugal Cove-St. Philips Fire Department: $992.75
- Heart’s Content Fire Department: $800.00