The Newfoundland and Labrador government is expanding its ability to assess forest conditions with the purchase of 13 new weather stations. According to a list of recently released procurement contracts, in December the Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands awarded a contract for 13 new weather stations from British Columbia-based FTS Forest Technology Systems Ltd. for $466,927.42, exclusive of HST. CBC News asked for an interview with Forestry Minister Pleaman Forsey but spokesperson Linda Skinner sent an emailed statement on his behalf. On a daily basis, the statement said the province’s network of existing weather stations collects data on forest conditions, including temperature, relative humidity, wind, rain and moisture levels. Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement Advertisement“Thirteen new weather stations will be integrated into our current provincial network to bolster our ability to assess forest conditions and wildfire risk.”In a follow-up email, Skinner said these new weather stations are needed because wildfire analysts and managers use weather data to anticipate how fire will behave and how it could spread.

Source: CBC News January 11, 2026 10:16 UTC