Wakeham Commits to Strengthening Wildfire Preparedness

Carbonear, NL (September 4, 2025) – Today, while visiting Conception Bay North, Tony Wakeham, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party and MHA for Stephenville – Port au Port committed to strengthening wildfire protection services across Newfoundland and Labrador.

“The recent wildfires in Conception Bay North have caused unimaginable loss for families, individuals, and entire communities,” said Wakeham. “My heart is with every person in the area, and I extend my deepest sympathies to all who are displaced or facing the difficult task of rebuilding their lives.”

While Conception Bay North has been hit the hardest by wildfires, Wakeham noted that residents throughout the province have experienced the fear and disruption of wildfires – including Musgrave Harbour, Central Newfoundland, the Bonavista Peninsula, Labrador, and the Avalon Peninsula.

“People across Newfoundland and Labrador want to know that when disaster strikes, the government is ready to respond,” Wakeham added. “Preparedness cannot be an afterthought. It must be a priority. Wildfire preparedness will help create safer communities for all of us.”

Wakeham committed to improving Newfoundland and Labrador preparedness for wildfires. Specifically, he announced that if elected, a Wakeham Progressive Conservative government will:

● Provide volunteer firefighters with training and equipment to respond to floods, forest fires, medical calls, and other emergencies. The Liberals only committed to purchasing wildland coveralls for 35 volunteer fire departments; we will make sure that every volunteer fire department has the wildland coveralls they need. 

● Double the Volunteer Firefighter and Search and Rescue Tax Credits.

● Maintain a fully operational and staffed water bomber fleet. A PC government will make repairs to the fifth water bomber a priority, so it can return to operation. Once repaired, it will be stationed and at the ready in Labrador.

● Hire 50 more wildland firefighters and recruit the wildland firefighters four weeks earlier each year.

“We must do everything possible to keep our communities safe and to support those who protect us,” said Wakeham. “Newfoundlanders and Labradorians deserve to know that when forest fires strike, we are ready.”