Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Walter Bradley is encouraging all Islanders to do more to prevent forest fires. Two fires occurred this past week alone, a small fire in Bedeque and a major fire in the Milltown Cross area which destroyed an estimated 300-400 acres of woodland.
"These and other serious fires point out the need for more efforts to prevent forest fires," said Mr. Bradley. "The increase in forest harvests, combined with more people using woodlands for recreational purposes, means everyone should become more aware of the potential dangers and the need to take steps to reduce them."
Mr. Bradley said the Milltown Cross area fire could have caused much more serious damage and even tragedy were it not for the quick response of firefighters. He expressed his appreciation to his department's Forestry Division staff, volunteer fire departments from Montague, Murray River, Murray Harbour and Georgetown, the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources which supplied two helicopters and the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre in Winnipeg which coordinates mutual aid by deploying needed equipment.
Mr. Bradley said the helicopter pilots from Nova Scotia were especially impressed with the local volunteer firefighters.
He said many others deserve thanks for supporting the firefighting effort, including the RCMP, the Coast Guard, EMO, Flight Services, Island Telephone, Creeds Petroleum and local heavy equipment operators.
He also acknowledged the Gillis Drive-In, Tim Horton's and Maid Marions who supplied food.
"To all who helped out in any way, my sincere thanks," said Mr. Bradley.
No cause for the fire has yet been determined. The minister said that under the Fire Protection Act, a permit must be obtained for any open fire. Permits are available through the District Forestry Offices.
This year, the department has introduced a new, toll-free number for forest fires emergencies. The number is 1-800-237-5053.