The forest fire situation in central Newfoundland has improved to such a degree that patients removed from the area are being returned to facilities in Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor.
There is also a possibility that the States of Emergency in place in the region could be lifted if things continue to improve.
Premier Andrew Furey and Forestry Minister Derrick Bragg flew over the fire site this afternoon. The Premier says the situation has changed dramatically from what he witnessed just a few short days ago.
He says on Saturday there was nothing but a wall of smoke as far as the eye could see, with active flame consuming the trees below. Today, the situation is quite different, reduced to what Furey describes as a “smouldering haze.”
Furey says Forestry Officials credit the rainfall experienced in the area and a change in wind direction for the improvement in conditions.
Furey says a local firefighter told him “Mother Nature started it, and Mother Nature is going to stop it.”
The States of Emergency remain in place, but Premier Furey says officials are assessing the situation to determine whether or not that can be lifted.
Despite the improvements, area residents are being discouraged from entering the area to check on cabins and other property as the situation is still volatile.
