Newton-North Delta MP Sukh Dhaliwal lauds local firefighters for their efforts in burns bog blaze

For Immediate Release

(OTTAWA) - Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal took a moment from his work in the House of Commons today to remark upon the small group of firefighters, both paid and volunteer, who moved quickly to douse a 0.8 hectare fire in Burns Bog yesterday evening.

“I would just like to thank them for the tremendous job they did to contain this fire. Burns Bog, as so many of my constituents can tell you, is more than just an environmental treasure in our area, with many rare birds and plants,” Dhaliwal said. “It is also a principal site of air and water filtration for our region. The forty firefighters who quelled this blaze displayed the kind of courage and teamwork that makes our community so special.”

The fire began at approximately 3:30 pm yesterday but, because of the rapid response from firefighters, was contained before it could reach the proportions of the 2005 blaze, where approx. 170 hectares were affected.

Battalion Chief Mike Cornell said firefighters have yet to begin investigating, but arson is suspected.

“This incident emphasizes the need for an interpretive centre at Burns Bog along with controlled access in order to discourage trespassing,” Dhaliwal added.

Eliza Olson of the Burns Bog Conservation Society agreed, adding, “We can’t just put up a fence and a sign saying ‘Keep Out’. This is a wild area surrounded by development and curious residents. We need a place where people can come and get educated about the fragility of this beautiful place.”

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Contact: John Delacourt
613-863-7854
dhalis0@parl.gc.ca