The Bay d’Espoir Highway will remain closed until conditions improve.
The two forest fires in central Newfoundland are still separate—one at Paradise Lake and one around the Bay d’Espoir highway. The latter did not change much in size but the Paradise Lake one grew by about 20 per cent.
Crews are assessing the situation as we speak but they hope to make an attack today. They were unable to do any fire suppression yesterday as it was too dangerous.
Provincial Fire Duty Officer, Jeff Motty says the winds have switched around to the northwest which means the smoke is being blown away from the communities in central Newfoundland.
A state of emergency is in effect for Grand Falls-Windsor, Botwood, Bishop’s Falls and the Connaigre Peninsula due to concerns with air quality and the impact of smoke.
An open-fire ban for central and eastern Newfoundland has been expanded for the entire province, and a fire break is being cleared along the Nalcor transmission line to help protect communities.
Meanwhile, a ferry is on its way to provide service from Fortune to Hermitage. The Sound of Islay will move supplies to the region if Route 360 remains closed this week. The ferry is expected to arrive in Fortune on Tuesday, with trips based on priority by the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre.
The Canadian Red Cross has been playing a major role throughout the current fire situation in central Newfoundland.
Provincial Director Rhonda Kenney says they have been offering assistance to affected residents in a variety of ways.
Several families cut off by the closure of the Baie D’Espoir Highway have been assisted by Red Cross staff and volunteers with emergency lodging and meals. Meanwhile, the emergency shelter set up in Grand Falls-Windsor has been moved to Deer Lake to take in residents who choose to leave the area.
Due to the forest fire in the vicinity, theBay d’Espoir Highway (Rt 360) will remain closed until conditions improve. #GOVNL #nlwx #nltraffic pic.twitter.com/JRLs6bS2KO
— Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture NL (@FFA_GovNL) August 8, 2022
