Rain overnight has greatly improved efforts to fight a fire that forced the evacuation of Musgrave Harbour.
Fire Duty Officer Wes Morgan says the smoke has dissipated significantly, allowing crews to get a better view of the fire’s perimeter.
It’s also allowing ground crews to start their fire suppression efforts, which until now, have been mostly limited to aerial attacks.
Their efforts today will be focused on the northern section of the fire which is closest to the town, and Banting Memorial Park.
“We hope now this will give us a chance on the ground…to really get a feel…in areas that weren’t safe before,” says Morgan.
Residents have not yet been able to return to their homes. Minister Lisa Dempster is expecting an assessment to come later today.
Meanwhile, crews are hoping to make some progress on the ground against the Chance Harbour fire.
“The plan today is to get more ground troops out there fighting this fire. Because of the rain, they’ve been able to access broader areas that they weren’t able to get to before.” There are about two dozen firefighters on the ground fighting that one, supported by other staff. “This is where the real hard work begins.”
Mayor and deputy mayor meet with displaced residents
Musgrave Harbour Mayor Jason Chaulk and Deputy Mayor Bobby Pinsent are in Gander this afternoon to meet with residents taking shelter in the airport town since the evacuation order went out on the weekend.
The mayor and deputy mayor will speak (spoke) with displaced residents at the Steele Memorial Centre at 4:00.
