The Connaigre Peninsula is essentially cut off from the rest of the province thanks to the Martin Lake fire which has forced the closure of the Bay d’Espoir Highway – the only way in and out of the region by road.

Smoke from the Martin Lake fire has moved into the Grand Falls-Windsor region.

Some gas stations are rationing gas, and grocery store shelves are starting to empty.

Some local companies have the ability to bring in fuel, which is currently being co-ordinated with local gas stations.

Area MHA Elvis Loveless says there is a passenger ferry service between Pool’s Cove and Bay L’Argent on the Burin Peninsula, and they’re looking at ways to beef up the service.

“We’re working around seeing if we can move more people there and what those options are. And there are some other options as well.”

In the meantime, Loveless says they’re also looking at the possibility to bring in mail, medications and perhaps even grocery items by helicopter.