The fire chief in Portugal Cove-St. Phillips admits there is “significant concern” for how forest fire season could play out this year.
The season began on the island April 24, and it begins in Labrador today. So far, there have already been 64 wildfires, including the devastating blaze in Adam’s Cove last week.
Fred Hollett says that number is “high.”
A waterbomber deposits water in the area of Adam’s Cove. (via Town of Small Point, Broad Cove, Blackhead, Adam’s Cove)
Hollett is encouraging vigilance, noting that people need to follow the directions on both municipal and provincial permits for burning.
He says people must never leave a fire unattended, have tools available to keep the fire contained, and have a water supply available. He also encourages people to keep an eye on the forest fire index, and if they have questions to contact the department of forestry or their municipal fire department.
Hollett underscores the importance of vigilance with the story of a call from a few weeks ago.
He says they were called to reports of smoke. They found that someone had left a fire in a barrel unattended. The barrel had no protective screens on it and it was laid down in the middle of dead grass. “That was the totally wrong thing to do,” says Hollett.
