Tomorrow marks one year since fire threatened the heavily-populated Kenmount Terrace subdivision in St. John’s.
Warm temperatures, a lack of rain, and high winds combined to fan the flames of a fire that started in a wooded area only metres from nearby homes.
The fire forced the evacuation of the neighbourhood and had the potential to cause widespread property damage were it not for the swift and skillful actions of the St. John’s Regional Fire Department and Department of Forestry officials.
Joe Dawson sent his drone up over the affected area shortly after the fire was doused, showing just how close the flames came to family homes. He went back to the area this weekend to see how the burned out area is recovering.
For those who live in Kenmount Terrace, the stress of that day one year ago is still very fresh.
One woman tells VOCM News she was in British Columbia at the time of the fire. But being on the other side of the country made matters worse, because her children were back home with a sitter.
While her family was living a fair distance from the fire, they still had to evacuate. She says she felt helpless knowing there was nothing she could do.
Calling for residents, bystanders to evacuate the area immediately. Thick smoke is still billowing from the wooded area behind residences.
Over the loudspeaker they're saying some houses are at risk. @VOCMNEWS#nltraffic pic.twitter.com/bFjlSqdYxW
— Jeff S (@JeffSmythNL) July 9, 2018
Another man remembers the panic that set in.
He says he was concerned because he didn’t know where his partner was, or the full scope of the fire.
Waterbomber continues to drop water behind Orlando Place. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/Y4RRLl15BM
— Renell LeGrow VOCM (@R_LeGrowVOCM) July 9, 2018