Kingston Fire
The Kingston fire has grown to more than 6,300 hectares.
Ground crews are continuing to work on fuel breaks at the southern boundary of the fire, and another fuel break has been cut in the Northern Bay area.
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture says the fuel break in Northern Bay is the third attempt to build a fuel break on the northern end of the fire.
The department says the rapid growth of the fire and extreme fire behavior has pushed crews farther north each time.
Air assets will be in the Conception Bay North area today with ground crews assisting local fire departments.
The department says the Kingston fire and the Paddy’s Pond fire are not far apart – less than 100 kms – and they are able to move those resources around quickly and as requested by fire behaviour specialists.
Paddy’s Pond Fire
Officials say the Paddy’s Pond fire is very active and the Incident Management Team is using air assets, ground crews and the St. John’s Regional Fire Department to respond continuously.
Work on fuel breaks was started this morning in the Three Arm Pond area.
Martin Lake Fire
The Martin Lake fire saw minimal growth overnight and is currently 290 hectares. Ground crews are working the southwest edge and equipment will be moved to the northern edge to cut fuel breaks. Air tractors or crop dusters – small aircraft that can spray water at low level – and helicopters will be dropping water on the fire today.
The Bay D’Espoir Highway is now closed to traffic between Sunday lake Resource Road and the Cat Brook turnaround about 2 km south of the North West Gander Bridge.
The Canadian Red Cross is delivering emergency services to those who are unable to return to their homes due to the closure of the Bay D’Espoir Highway.
Meanwhile an evacuation advisory is currently in effect for cabin owners in the Martin Lake, Great Rattling Brook and Rushy Pond area. All cabin owners have been advised to leave their cabins.
Holyrood Fire
The Holyrood fire remains Under Control and is holding at 22 hectares in size with minimal fire activity.
Goose Bay Fire
The fire 20 km south of Goose Bay did not grow and is a half a hectare in size. Ground crews on on scene.
