Newfoundland and Labrador is moving to strengthen wildfire suppression and emergency response capacity in Labrador, including continued planning for a seasonal waterbomber presence in Labrador West and new equipment and staffing commitments for the region.
Pleaman Forsey, minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, announced the measures in Labrador West alongside Labrador West MHA Joe Power, Wabush Mayor Gertie Canning and Labrador City Mayor Jordan Brown.
The provincial government said it will continue the planning process for infrastructure in Wabush to support a seasonal waterbomber in Labrador West. It will also provide $66,500 in fire equipment funding for Labrador fire departments through the Fire Vehicles and Equipment Fund, purchase two dedicated structural protection units to be positioned in Wabush and Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and allocate six new wildland firefighter positions for Labrador.
The province also said it will continue working with Labrador communities on Community Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Program plans and projects. That work will support $150,000 in funding already allocated for projects in Labrador City, Port Hope Simpson and Mary’s Harbour.
“In the past days and weeks, I have seen the resilience and cooperation of Labradorians first hand as they manage this incredibly challenging situation,” Forsey said. “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.”
Canning said the commitment was “not simply a matter of convenience” but “truly a matter of safety,” adding that the investment, combined with enhanced training and additional wildfire response funding, would support community resilience across Labrador West.
The announcement follows wider provincial investments in wildfire preparedness and emergency services for 2026-27, including funding for firefighter equipment, training, communications, emergency operations, municipal fire grants, additional wildfire personnel and helicopter support. The province has also committed funding for community wildfire resiliency planning and FireSmart Canada initiatives intended to reduce wildfire risk and strengthen local preparedness.
