Mother Nature provided some much needed relief in helping contain the wildfire which broke out in Adam’s Cove earlier this week.
Rain was a welcome sight in the area as crews managed to get the blaze under control yesterday.
The fire came on fast and furious on Wednesday, damaging at least 20 structures so far, though the full scope of damage has yet to be determined.
An evacuation order remains in place, with an update to be provided later this morning.
A couple in Adam’s Cove are lucky to be alive after being forced to flee their home on Wednesday.
Emily Dale, who lives in CBS, says her grandparents made it out in the nick of time before their home was consumed by the blaze.
Dale credits her mother, who happened to be out for a visit, with saving their lives.
(Photo by Eugene Howell)
Dale says her mother saw fire off in the distance and told the couple they should leave. When she looked out the window a few minutes later, “the whole lawn was black.” Dale says her grandparents have mobility issues, and her mother got them out as fast as she could.
She says as they were driving away they had smoke in their lungs and could see flames at their house.
Dale says her grandparents are devastated by the loss. They are currently staying with family in Tilton.
A GoFundMe has been started for the family.
Bernard Davis (VOCM News)
Justice and Public Safety Minister Bernard Davis says government has been preparing for a “very challenging fire season” given the mild winter experienced across many parts of the province.
He highlights other long-term measures such as repairing the fifth waterbomber that has been out of commission for several years, and the establishment of the Atlantic Wildfire Centre in Gander.
Davis is saddened that the forest fire season started so early, but says it is part of climate change and they will continue to work as fast as they can to stay on top of the issue.
