Town of Gander Welcomes Government Commitment to Establish Atlantic Wildfire Centre

(Gander, NL – October 8, 2024) – The Town of Gander is extremely pleased with Premier Andrew Furey’s announcement of Government’s commitment to establish an Atlantic Wildfire Centre at Gander International Airport. This significant announcement was made yesterday at the Forest Protection Centre in Gander, with the Town Council of Gander in attendance.

The Atlantic Wildfire Centre will serve as the central hub for wildfire management in Atlantic Canada and will initially include the placement of additional air assets, physical space, technology, staff, and training. This will be supported in part through a $32 million cost-shared, four-year investment in partnership with Natural Resources Canada under the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate: Equipment fund.

Mayor Farwell expressed the Town's enthusiasm, stating, "We are incredibly honoured to be identified as the site for the Atlantic Wildfire Centre. This concept is an important response to the increasing prevalence of wildfires as a consequence of climate change and underscores Gander's strategic importance and our commitment to excellence in wildfire management. It will generate outcomes that enable better protection of our environment and our citizens. It also signals an acknowledgement of the important strategic role Gander plays in aviation and aerospace provincially, regionally, and globally. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Premier Furey and his government, and the Government of Canada for their vision and for this invaluable support and investment in our community and region.”

The Town of Gander is committed to supporting the development and operation of the Atlantic Wildfire Centre and ensuring its success for years to come.

Backgrounder

The Atlantic Wildfire Centre in Gander will be the central hub for wildfire management in Atlantic Canada. Gander is currently home to Newfoundland and Labrador’s Provincial Forest Protection Centre and Air Services, including the Provincial Water Bomber Fleet, supported by skilled aircraft maintenance personnel and state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, Gander hosts the Provincial Forest Firefighting Equipment Bank, Fire Hose Processing Centre, Insect Protection Unit, and other vital support services, ensuring effective prevention and emergency response.

More information can be found at: https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2024/exec/1007n03/

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Media Contact:
Kayla White
Communications Officer  
709-651-5909 
kwhite@gandercanada.com