The city of St. John’s is praising first responders for their quick action yesterday as a forest fire spread behind the Health Sciences Centre.

Two fires broke out in the area early yesterday afternoon.

Waterbombers had to be called in to help douse the blaze, which was under control by about mid afternoon.

Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary praised the quick reaction time of responders. She says the safety of the area was paramount, and praised the firefighters for working with the Department of Forestry to get things under control so quickly.

It is unclear at this time if the fire was deliberate, and if multiple fires were set or if winds, which were up around 60 km/h, helped spread the blaze. The matter is being investigated by police.

Platoon Chief Dean Foley says there were two separate fires.

One on the Mount Scio side near Rainbow Riders which forced the evacuation of the horses there as a precautionary measure, and one near the Autism Society, which was the initial call they responded to.