The province has opened a new, $9.3-million, 16,260-sq.-ft. regional fire operations centre in Lac du Bonnet to enhance forest protection and firefighting capabilities in eastern and central Manitoba, as well as Whiteshell and Nopiming provincial parks. This announcement was made by Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff.
“Firefighters need the right equipment and have to be ready to go at a moment’s notice to ensure the safety of the public,” said Minister Nevakshonoff. “This new base will provide staff with modern facilities and ensure they are ready to protect homes, cottages, businesses and forest resources.”
The new site includes an asphalt entrance road, taxiway and apron for parking planes and equipment. In addition, the base has concrete helicopter landing pads, water and waste-water services, a regional fire centre office and warehouse, district fire buildings and staff accommodations.
“We welcome the Fire Operations Centre to our community,” said Reeve Cathie Brereton, RM of Lac du Bonnet. “We fully support the important work the crews do. This year in particular, they have worked hard and have been instrumental in keeping our region and recreational areas safe.”
“The new centre will bring a new sense of fire safety to our area with the security of the Regional Operations Centre right here in our community,” said Mayor Gordon Peters, Lac du Bonnet. “We are pleased to see this enhanced facility in the Lac du Bonnet area.”
Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship’s fire program is responsible for the detection and suppression of wildfires across the province. Staff monitor weather patterns, lightning strikes, soil moisture and forest conditions to determine the probability and location of wildfires, and use elite initial attack crews, helicopters, water bombers, other aircraft and heavy equipment to fight fires.
“Wildfires not only impact forest resources but can also become a disaster for affected families and communities,” added Minister Nevakshonoff. “These investments will ensure we’re properly prepared to reduce the risk and effects of forest fires for Manitobans.”
The minister noted this new investment also supports the implementation of TomorrowNow – Manitoba’s Green Plan, the government’s eight-year strategic plan for protecting the environment while ensuring a prosperous and environmentally conscious economy.
