Bell Aliant says last week’s wildfire caused significant damage to critical communications infrastructure, knocking out home phone and internet service for Bell customers in Small Point, Adam’s Cove, Blackhead and Broad Cove.

The company says the wireless network remained operational, but with increased demand, the outage led to higher-than-normal congestion on the network.

Company officials say access was gained to the affected area on Sunday once clearance was given and crews have since been working “tirelessly” to repair the damage caused.

That includes melted cables and severely damaged poles.

Bell Aliant calls the repair work complex and says it will require the replacement of a number of poles. It says it’s committed to restoring service as quickly and safely as possible.