Forest fires in the north talked about at Question Period

NDP MPP John Vanthof had some questions for the government on Tuesday on how its handling the forest fire situation in the north.

“My question to the minister is can the minister assure northerners that all available resources will be requested and that these resources will be focused on the fires until they’re brought under control,” he says.

Jeff Yurek is the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry.

He says everything is being done to battle these fires.

“We’re working day in and day out. We have called out to jurisdictions across the province, the country, across the United States and Mexico to bring these fires under control. We will continue to support our front line fire crews,” he says.

Vanthof also asked about the economic impact of the fires and the fact that tourist camp operators, forestry contractors and farmers are concerned their economic survival is at stake.
Yurek says they are working with communities to ensure everything possible is being done.

“Local OPP, local municipalities, to ensure the safety of the public comes first followed by the safety of the property. We can protect business, cottages, public and private property from the damages of fire,” he says.