60th Anniversary of the Provincial Fire Centre

For 60 years, the Provincial Fire Centre has been a part of forest fire fighting history in Nova Scotia. Today, Nov. 5, Nova Scotians are celebrating generations of men and women who have protected their province's wildlife, forests, homes and lives.

"This not only marks 60 years of the Provincial Fire Centre, it is a chance to commemorate more than a century of forest firefighting in this province," said Natural Resources Minister David Morse. "Nova Scotia's forest firefighters continue to go above and beyond the call of duty. Their work is exemplary and impacts us all."

Sixty years ago, firefighters had the vision and foresight to create a Provincial Fire Centre. It is a central facility in Shubenacadie, Hants Co., where dedicated fire staff would work to improve their capabilities and more effectively fight dangerous forest fires.

Fire equipment is designed, developed and tested in the centre before being distributed to district offices across the province. The centre continues to carry out these responsibilities as well as all aspects of fire management.

Department of Natural Resources firefighting retirees, staff, and special guests will be present at the commemorative banquette.

"Nova Scotia has one of the fastest response rates in Canada to forest fires, and we have made many advances and improvements in the way we fight fires," said Walter Fanning, director of forest protection. "We are proud of the legacy left by those who have worked in fire management, and we are very supportive of staff who are continuing this successful tradition."

"The fires of this past season have put a spotlight on our work, and we want to take this opportunity to celebrate all of the work that has gone into many years of forest firefighting in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Morse.

The history of firefighting in the Department of Natural Resources is being captured in a video and a segment of the documentary will be presented at the commemorative banquette. The final video will be released at later date.

For more information on the province's forest protection program, visit www.gov.ns.ca/natr/forestprotection .