SK FIREFIGHTERS HELP MANITOBA & U.S.A.

Released on August 10, 2000

A relatively quiet forest fire season here has made it possible for

Saskatchewan firefighters to answer calls for help from Manitoba and the United

States.



"We're glad to be able to assist other jurisdictions this year, because in

previous years we've been on the receiving end," Environment and Resource

Management Minister Buckley Belanger said. "These agreements work well for

everyone involved. Experienced help is available when it's needed and the

jurisdictions providing the assistance have their costs covered by the

recipients."



Since August 1st, a total of 56 firefighters and five tanker aircraft have been

sent to assist with major forest fires in Manitoba and Montana. Under

interprovincial and international agreements, jurisdictions can help one

another deal with difficult fire situations by directing firefighting personnel

and equipment where they are needed.



On August 1st, 2000, 11 Saskatchewan firefighters traveled to Helena, Montana,

where several large forest fires are burning. Also last week, Manitoba

received some assistance when two groups of air tankers (three retardant-

dropping Trackers and two CL215 water bombers) went to Gimli, and 25 initial

attack firefighters were dispatched to Berens River. On Tuesday, August 8th,

20 firefighters left Prince Albert for Kamloops, BC to join 20 firefighters

from the Northwest Territories - for a briefing on the US firefighting system.

The next day they flew to Missoula, Montana for further briefings and

assignment to specific firefighting duties.



There have been a total of 377 fires in Saskatchewan forests so far this year.

This compares to the five-year average of 615 fires to this date.



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For more information, contact:



Jeanette Krayetski

FMFP

Prince Albert

Phone: (306) 953-3473