2023 Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Award recipients announced in N.L.

May 5, 2023, Newfoundland and Labrador – The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture has announced the recipients of the Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Award grants for 2023. The initiative encourages Canadians to take actions that increase their home, neighbourhood and community’s resilience to wildfire.

Ten municipalities, fire departments and community groups from Newfoundland and Labrador have been awarded funding through the program, which is administered by FireSmart Canada in cooperation with provincial partners. The grants, valued at $500 each, help fund local projects aimed at reducing the risk of wildfire damage in and around communities.

This year’s recipients include:

• The Indian Bay Ecosystem Corporation;
• Town of Eastport;
• Town of Englee;
• Corner Brook Fire Department;
• Gander Bay Fire Department;
• Fortune Fire Department;
• Botwood Fire Department;
• Deer Lake Fire Rescue;
• Meadows Fire Department; and
• The St. Lewis local fire brigade.

Wildfire professionals from the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture work with grant recipients to educate residents about practices that help reduce the wildfire risk within their communities.

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is celebrated annually on the first Saturday in May.  Municipalities and community groups are encouraged to plan community events that may include fire prevention and other mitigation activities, such as demonstrating how to safely store firewood and neighbourhood clean ups focused on removing combustible materials such as dry leaves and brush.