The provincial government is making changes to help residents prepare for and respond to natural emergencies and disasters.

The department of forestry, agriculture and lands is assuming responsibility for emergency services, including the responsibility for response and recovery to the wildfires on the Conception Bay North Shore last summer.

Emergency services previously fell under the department of justice and public safety.

The province says the change better aligns with ongoing work within the forestry department’s fire suppression program.

Emergency services will continue to assist residents and communities in mitigating, responding to and recovering from emergencies and disasters.