The federal and provincial governments are moving ahead with an Atlantic Wildfire Centre, to be established at Gander International Airport.

Provincial and federal representatives were at the airport today to announce the four year, $32-million cost-sharing agreement.

Specifically, that money will go toward repairing the province’s fifth waterbomber, providing training for those who battle forest fires, a request for proposals (RFP) to increase the current air services complement with two bird-dog aircraft, and the purchase of other equipment such as fire trucks, command trailers, sprinklers, weather stations, and Nomex suits—also used by military, aviation, and car racing industries to withstand intense heat and flames.

As well, another RFP will be issued for the design concept of the Atlantic Wildfire Centre campus and related infrastructure.

Government says the centre will focus on housing dedicated wildfire management specialists, adapting new technology and research to local conditions, training and education programs, and increased capacity to respond to major incidents.