The Chief of the North Shore Fire Department says water was a challenge for firefighters working on the ground to save homes and properties from the fire that ravaged the region over the last month.
Roger Gillingham says the area does not have access to fire hydrants, and the drought caused further problems in their efforts to fight back the flames.
He says they typically get their water from ponds and brooks, but with this summer’s drought conditions, and the fire itself, many of those sources were either inaccessible, or dried up. That’s when the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure stepped in to bring in five tanker trucks from Salmon Cove and beyond, and they had a number of porta-tanks that were continually filled with water in addition to the ponds and brooks they could access.
Swimming hole in Broad Cove Brook
The swimming hole on Broad Cove Brook turned out to be a saving grace for the department, even though the brook was nearly dry. Enough water had collected in the pool, that the land around it was cleared to allow tanker trucks access.
Members of the North Shore Fire Department
Members of Gillingham’s own department lost their homes in the fire even as they were saving the homes of others. He described having to abandon some areas as the flames surrounded them. At times, the fire grew so intense, that the flames actually started rolling.
In the meantime, Gillingham is offering his heartfelt thanks to the many volunteer fire departments who sent firefighters and resources from all over the province to help in the firefighting effort.
