As reported by the Executive Council, Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, Transportation and Infrastructure, Newfoundland and Labrador is moving forward with plans to establish an Atlantic Wildfire Centre in central Newfoundland.
This initiative, part of a broader $32 million cost-shared investment with Natural Resources Canada through the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate: Equipment fund, aims to bolster wildfire management in the region.
The announcement was made in Gander by Premier Dr. Andrew Furey, Minister Gerry Byrne, and Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs, alongside other government officials.
The Centre, located at Gander International Airport, will focus on wildfire management expertise, data application, and specialized training to protect communities and forests across Atlantic Canada.
The Atlantic Wildfire Centre will house specialists dedicated to wildfire management and prevention.
Key focus areas include integrating innovations such as drone technology and adapting national and international research to meet local needs.
Training programs for wildfire management and prevention will also be a core component, aiming to build capacity for suppression and aerial operations.
Infrastructure development is a critical element of this project.
New facilities for aircrews, incident command, and equipment storage will be built, particularly in Labrador, where wildfire risk is high.
The existing resources in Gander, including the Forest Fire Protection Centre, will also be expanded to accommodate the growing needs of wildfire response teams.
As part of the investment, Newfoundland and Labrador will repair its existing fleet of five CL-415 water bomber aircraft and issue requests for proposals for two new bird dog aircraft to improve air services.
Additionally, the procurement of fire trucks, command trailers, weather stations, and protective equipment, such as Nomex suits, will be part of the enhancements.
The government is also planning to issue a request for proposals for the design of the Atlantic Wildfire Centre campus.
These efforts align with the province’s long-standing expertise in fire prevention and management, particularly in Labrador and central Newfoundland, where wildfire risks are most prevalent.
Gander International Airport was chosen for the Atlantic Wildfire Centre due to its established infrastructure, strategic location, and access to trained personnel.
The airport is already home to key wildfire management resources and partners, including the Forest Fire Protection Centre.
The new Centre will build on this existing foundation to further support wildfire prevention, suppression, and response across Atlantic Canada.
Minister Gerry Byrne emphasized the importance of this investment, stating: “With strategic investment in wildland fire management and training, we will increase wildland firefighting capacity, enhance training, purchase vital equipment, and improve our understanding of fire science.”
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has announced plans to establish an Atlantic Wildfire Centre in central Newfoundland to strengthen wildfire management efforts across Atlantic Canada.
This initiative is part of a $32 million, four-year investment in partnership with Natural Resources Canada under the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate: Equipment fund.
The Centre, located at Gander International Airport, will focus on wildfire management expertise, training, and infrastructure development, including air services and equipment upgrades.
With this initiative, the province aims to protect communities and forests from the increasing threat of wildfires.
