June 9, 2011 - A new burn structure has been added to the NWT Emergency Services Training Centre. The modular structure, designed for firefighters and rescue crews to practice scenarios for the battling of structure fires, was officially opened today.
Minister of Transportation Michael McLeod says partnerships were the key to finding the resources required for the new burn structure. “Our excellent relationship with the Yellowknife Fire Department, with each department supporting the other, continues with this project,” he said. “The contributions of Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. and BHP Billiton EKATI Diamond Mine will further support our efforts to make training for fire and emergency response crews in the Northwest Territories more available and effective.”
Yellowknife Mayor Gordon Van Tighem says the new facility will fill a crucial need. “Our crews need a facility to practice their skills and improve their response times,” he said. “Having all of our training in one place will certainly improve both the quality and affordability of that training.”
In addition to the ability to practice fighting structure fires, the Yellowknife Airport Fire Training Facility will allow crews to practice extrications, the use of hand-held extinguishers, and rescues from downed aircraft. These capabilities will benefit community fire departments and mine rescue crews around the territory.
President and Chief Operating Officer of Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. (DDMI) Kim Truter said “safety is our most important value at Diavik and part of our legacy with local communities includes building local infrastructure. When approached for support, we recognized this facility would meet community needs and is very much aligned with the way we work.”
Paul Harvey, Asset President of BHP Billiton EKATI Diamond Mine says, “We welcome the opportunity to participate in a project that has so much potential for the mines, airports, and communities of the Northwest Territories,” he said. “This facility is an investment in both safety and effective emergency response.”
The new burn structure at the Yellowknife Airport Fire Training Facility was opened today by Minister McLeod, Yellowknife Fire Department Deputy Chief Jason Davidson, DDMI President and COO Kim Truter, and BHP Billiton EKATI Diamond Mine Asset President Paul Harvey. The opening was followed by demonstration events by the Yellowknife Airport and Yellowknife Fire Departments and mine rescue crews from the Diavik and EKATI diamond mines.
The Yellowknife Airport Fire Training Facility will be used by communities, industry, and businesses to support emergency training. The Facility supports the priority of the 16th Assembly for safe communities.
For more information, please contact:
Earl Blacklock
Manager of Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Transportation
867-873-7712
867-445-3494 (Cell)
Jason Davidson
Deputy Fire Chief, Safety and Training
Yellowknife Fire Department
867-766-5503
867-446-6646 (Cell)
Doug Ashbury
Adviser, Communications
Diavik Diamond Mines Inc.
867-669 6525
Deana Twissell
Superintendent of Community and External Affairs
EKATI Diamond Mine
867-669-6107
deana.twissell@bhpbilliton.com