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Environment minister thanks fire crew and staff for season work

Minister of Environment and Natural Resources minister Robert C. McLeod thanked wildfire crews and department staff this week following a lower than average fire season in 2018. McLeod said he was proud of the work that fire crews showed at home and abroad in fighting fires.

“I am proud of the integrity and hard work shown by our wildland fire personnel this fire season, both at home and while assisting other jurisdictions,” he said in a statement. “Exporting crews not only provides support to our partners in dealing with heavy fire loads, but it also provides valuable experience to Northerers who get a chance to work in new environments with crews from across Canada and North America.“

The GNWT reported that as of Aug. 22, there were 54 fires and 11,271 hectares burnt, which is much lower than the 25-year average of 172 fires and 402,976 ha. Seventy-six firefighters with 19 overhead staff and three air tanker groups were sent to Ontario and B.C. to assist with wildfires.