CONSTRUCTION BEGINS THIS WEEK ON 20 NEW WILDFIRE OBSERVATION TOWERS

Saskatchewan Environment is investing $840,000 to construct 20 new wildfire observation towers across central and southern portions of the northern provincial forest.

"Early detection is essential to responding effectively to wildfires. Construction of these new strategically-located observation towers will be completed this year and become an integral part of our province's wildfire detection network in the 2006 wildfire season," Environment Minister David Forbes said.

An analysis of the best locations for the new towers has been completed, along with a scientific evaluation of the individual sites. The construction materials have been purchased and maintenance work on the roads leading to the tower sites is scheduled to begin this week, with the construction of concrete bases for the towers to follow.

When the 20 new observation towers are completed, there will be a total of 33 operational towers in the province. An additional 12 potential observation sites have been assessed and selected for potential future development.

"After carefully evaluating all of the options, we believe a combination of wildfire observation towers and aircraft to detect wildfires will provide the best possible wildfire detection coverage for Saskatchewan," Forbes said.

The towers are part of an integrated wildfire management system including: early detection; computerized analysis of fire weather and behavior; preparedness levels tied to fire danger, and rapid suppression response with air tankers, heavy equipment and/or ground crews.

Observervation tower staff are specifically trained to detect newly emerging wildfires, identify their location and alert provincial wildfire management officials in the area. Towers are operated during daylight hours when significant fire hazards exist.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Steve Roberts Environment Prince Albert Phone: (306) 953-2206