Premier John Hogan says an evacuation order has been issued for people in Badger.
A wildfire began in the town yesterday, reportedly due to a lightning strike.
(Submitted)
Hogan says they were hoping to make the decision later in the day, but the weather isn’t looking great and “it is better to be safe than sorry.”
Hogan states there are between 450 to 500 people in the community, and it is being recommended that people head to the Joe Byrne Arena in Grand Falls-Windsor where they can register with the Red Cross.
(Grand Falls-Windsor Fire Chief/Facebook)
Hogan says he has spoken with Mayor Dennis Butt and offered whatever assistance they need, noting that officials in the emergency operations centre are working to make sure everyone has the resources they need to get out of the community.
He says the weather was their main consideration in making the decision to evacuate.
Premier John Hogan and Lisa Dempster (Government of NL/YouTube)
Hogan says while there is some precipitation in the forecast for the coming days, they can’t wait for that as the weather isn’t looking good for the short term. He states the fire isn’t near the transmission assets or the river near the community, but they didn’t want to wait until the last minute to make the decision.
Fisheries, forestry and agriculture minister Lisa Dempster warns against the use of drones during the emergency.
“If drones are in the sky, we can’t fly” says Dempster, who notes the devices are a “real impediment” for firefighting efforts. She understands that people are concerned and are using drones to have a look around, but their use is an “absolute no-no.”
As a result of the situation, a province-wide fire ban is now in effect.
