The Bay D’Espoir Highway will remain closed at least until Monday morning due to a series of forest fires, believed to have been sparked by lightning.
The Bay d’Espoir Highway in this area will not reopen tonight.
More information will be provided when it becomes available. #nltraffic https://t.co/VPkZgpou0z pic.twitter.com/Wk7UuvMZIP
— Transportation and Infrastructure NL (@TI_GovNL) July 25, 2022
In a Facebook post late Sunday, Transportation Minister Elvis Loveless said there will be an update in the morning, in co-operation with RCMP.
The closure is about 42 kilometres south of the TCH along Route 360, but the orange glow in the night sky was widespread.
Posted by Howse David on Sunday, July 24, 2022
As a result of the highway closure, the Miawpukek First Nation issued a notice to say plans are in place in case of an emergency.
A helicopter is on standby for that purpose, and to also fly in support for the emergency department in Harbour Breton, where there are already nursing staff on site.
Loveless thanked the crews and waterbomber pilots for their work, adding that Central Health would release a public statement on services affected.
Meanwhile, more outdoor events have been cancelled due to the heat wave that’s gripped much of Newfoundland.
Perchance Theatre announced Sunday that both its 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. performances at its site near Cupids were cancelled due to the heat.
They issued a statement saying the safety of the cast, crew and audience are the top priority.
The troupe says they will transfer tickets to another performance or provide a full refund.
To request a refund or exchange tickets for another date you can email info@perchancetheatre.com or call the box office at 709-771-2930.
The 94th annual Tely 10 road race and the St. John’s Pride parade were also cancelled this weekend due to the high temperatures.
The Town of Harbour Main-Chapel’s Cove-Lakeview announced its Sunday night fireworks were cancelled, but the community campfires were still going ahead as scheduled.
The island’s forest fire index currently ranges from low on the northern peninsula, to extreme in central and eastern areas.
The forest fire hazard forecast is HIGH to EXTREME for parts of province today (July 24/22). Be vigilant near forest areas & check https://t.co/NbckRXO2HO for daily fire hazard ratings & active forest fire updates. Report a wildfire: 1-866-709-FIRE (3473) #nlwx #GovNL pic.twitter.com/oeneH35Jwi
— Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture NL (@FFA_GovNL) July 24, 2022
