Honourable Mitch Murphy, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, expressed his sincere thanks to the dozens of Forestry and Resource Land Modeling Division staff and local fire brigade fire fighters who worked so hard to suppress the series of wildfires which occurred last week. More than 200 acres of forest, plantation, cutover, and barrens were lost in the fires which occurred in the St. Felix, Lorne Valley, Webster's Corner, and the Dover/Murray River areas. The fires which threatened homes and forests was caused by a combination of high winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures which created dry fuel conditions in forests across the province.
"The fire fighting efforts of staff, volunteers, and the many others who offered support services to those workers were exceptional," said Mr. Murphy. "I know that everyone in these communities appreciated the dedication and skill those fire fighters showed fighting such dangerous wildfires."
Staff from the Forestry Division of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry are well trained and experienced in wild fire suppression and management. The Department has six fire trucks strategically located across the Island and two off-road, tracked tankers to support their efforts in difficult work environments.
Their efforts were supplemented by the skills and resources of local fire brigades. Volunteer fire fighters and tankers from Tignish, West Point, Alberton, Miminegash, and Wellington provided assistance with the St. Felix fire. Cardigan, Morell, Montague, Souris, and Central Kings fire departments responded to the Lorne Valley fire, while Mt. Stewart and Cross Roads assisted the Department with the Webster's Corner fire. In Dover/Murray River, five volunteer departments, including Murray River, Murray Harbour, Georgetown, Belfast and Montague provided assistance to the Forestry Division.
As well, the role of the fire attack helicopter from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources was critical in this fire. In addition to its capability to get hundreds of gallons of water directly on hot spots, the helicopter allowed the fire manager to get a bird's eye view of the smokey, fast-moving fire and ensured that resources were allocated to critical areas.
"All told, nearly 200 Islanders and some 25 fire engines and heavy pieces of fire fighting equipment participated in the suppression of these wildfires," said Mr. Murphy. "This was a tremendous effort, particularly because no one was injured, and no homes or buildings were lost. It was job well done!"
Five centimeters of rain on Friday night, and cooler weekend temperatures, gave fire fighters a much needed break. Emphasis will now focus on equipment maintenance and repair to ensure that the next time wildfires strike Island forests, the fire teams are ready and able to respond.
The department is encouraging Islanders to obtain proper burning permits, use safe burning techniques, and pay attention to the daily Fire Weather Index during fire season. Information is broadcast on local media and can also be obtained from any Forestry Division office by calling 902-368-4800 after hours or by visiting the Department's web site at http://www2.gov.pe.ca/fire/index.asp