Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is with a great deal of pleasure and relief that I am able to report to you today that the Norman Wells fire is controlled on the front toward the community of Norman Wells. The fire centre will be recommending to the emergency measures organization that they can begin plans to return people back to their homes.
Six crews with support from three helicopters, three caterpillars and various other equipment are in the process of completing what they refer to as a "cat line" which is built along the edge of the fire to ensure the fire will not cross into unburned forest if it flares up again. Because of the dry conditions and the low water table, it is likely the fire will continue to smoulder for a long time. My staff will continue to monitor the fire area for the rest of the summer, but after the edges are fully secured there will be no further action on the fire.
Again, I want to express my appreciation to all of the people involved in various ways in responding to the fire situation including community leaders, residents who were evacuated, fire crews, managers and supervisors, and all the people who stayed behind in the community to carry out essential services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--- Applause