Ministry of Natural Resources unveils new fire management centre in Sudbury

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has unveiled new changes to its Forest Fire Management Centre in Sudbury.

The centre underwent a major expansion to its offices, warehouse and tarmac area.

France Glinas, MPP for Nickel Belt, took a tour yesterday to see the renovations, and said the updates were long overdue.

"It used to be a bunch of trailers really...it was not I would say, 'human-friendly' as in where do you have meetings?," she said.

Larger facilities will accommodate visiting crew during emergencies

Shayne McCool, fire information officer for the MNRF's northeast region, said the renovations are a welcome relief, as there is now more space to accommodate staff.

"Often times, when we get escalated with fire activity, we do have to bring in additional resources from outside the sector," McCool said, "and with the new facilities, we've overflow spaces that will allow those folks to come in and comfortably do their job."

The newly renovated centre includes facilities such as a laundry room, kitchen and fitness area for rangers.

It also includes more environmentally-friendly features, such as charging stations for electric vehicles.