On one of my airplane trips an individual spoke to me about the methods we use now to fight fires. The method tendency is to use high-tech water bombers and helicopters. The individual mentioned that years ago all fires were fought by manpower, they used small planes, they would fly in and haul the hose and water pumps. Basically forest fires are natural. Fire fighting provided wages for seasonal workers. The individual was comparing the cost of one hour of flying time or one hour of use of a high-tech water bomber with how many men you can hire for the same cost. I thought it was an interesting analogy and comparison of the two. We spend a great deal of money on high-tech equipment and the majority of it has been from the south. We are using our own people resources less and less to fight and control many of these fires. I wanted to make this comment because I thought it very interesting at the time. It makes sense from an individual's point of view who relies on seasonal employment.
Fred Koe on Bill 17: Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1993-94
In the Legislative Assembly on March 8th, 1993. See this statement in context.
Bill 17: Appropriation Act, No. 2, 1993-94
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
March 7th, 1993
Page 796
Fred Koe Inuvik
See context to find out what was said next.