Twelve communities in Newfoundland and Labrador have received FireSmart Canada grants for local projects to help reduce the risk of wildfire damage to homes and communities.

Funding will be used to help purchase supplies and equipment for community clean-ups and information and training sessions.

The number of forest fires on the island portion of the province up to the beginning of May had doubled from the same time in the previous year.

Communities involved in this year’s program include Bishop’s Falls, Botwood, Gander, George’s Brook-Milton, Green’s Harbour, L’Anse au Clair, Lark Harbour, Lethbridge, Roddickton-Bide Arm, Sheaves Cove, Springdale and Steady Brook.

Newfoundland and Labrador communities receive record number of FireSmart Canada Grants. https://t.co/jyujSdo4yZ #GovNL @FLR_GovNL @GovNL

— Municipal Affairs and Environment NL (@MAE_GovNL) June 12, 2019