Premier Andrew Furey says that while conditions have improved, the forest fires in central are out of control and have grown to over 200 square km.
The weather has cooperated and the fire area has received some 10 mm of rain this morning with more to come.
The premier says the Bay D’Espoir highway is passable at this time, however it’s impossible to predict how long or if it will remain that way.
(Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.)
With the Bay D’Espoir highway now open, Transportation Minister Elvis Loveless says they’re actively working to get fuel to the Coast of Bays region.
The Sound of Islay ferry is undergoing maintenance in St. John’s for likely another week. They are currently exploring other options such as the Gallipoli ferry in Ramea.
Premier Furey says today is a positive and optimistic day, but it’s still the first phase of fighting a massive fire and people must have a heightened sense of readiness, not panicked, but ready.
