The department of forestry says there are three waterbombers and two helicopters fighting the forest fire in Port Hope Simpson today, which has now grown to five hectares in size.

There are also 30 firefighters on the ground from Port Hope Simpson, Mary’s Harbour, Charlottetown and the province. An additional ground crew from the province is on the way.

The town is currently under an evacuation alert. The Country Road area has been evacuated.

Although residents are not required to leave the community, people are being asked to take extra precautions to protect themselves from the smoke in the area.

Government says emergency management staff are working with the town and first responders, and both a regional emergency planner and a fire protection officer are on their way to the area.