Premier Brad Wall says cost of Saskatchewan wildfires to top $100 million
LAC LA RONGE, Sask. – Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall says the cost of fighting wildfires in northern Saskatchewan this year will top $100 million.
Wall says he and Prime Minister Stephen Harper have discussed how the system of fighting wildfires could be improved in the future.
He says this could include a streamlined training program for soldiers and creating a reserve of equipment that could be made available to any province dealing with wildfires.
Wall says the province will apply for federal financial assistance to help cover some of the wildfire costs.
The Opposition NDP has accused the provincial government of cutting wildfire fighting budgets in recent years and wants a review.
About 50 northern Saskatchewan communities were evacuated over the last month because of wildfires that forced 13,000 people from their homes. (CKRM, The Canadian Press)
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