Officials reported growth yesterday in the wildfire burning in Conception Bay North.
The fire was estimated to be over 2,100 hectares in size yesterday afternoon, expanding toward Ochre Pit Cove. That area, as well as the town of Salmon Cove, was put under an evacuation order yesterday. .
Suppression efforts will continue today in the air and on the ground. Work has also begun on two firebreaks near Perry’s Cove.
The Canadian Armed Forces and Coast Guard are also expected to be on the scene providing assistance in fighting the fires, planning and humanitarian support.
With a heat warning in effect, fire duty officer Mark Lawlor says Mother Nature is not on their side.
He says conditions are not favourable in the days ahead, however they will continue their suppression efforts with a whole host of resources on deck.
There has been no growth in the Holyrood fire, however ground crews will continue to tackle the hot spots today.
The blaze burning near the Bay d’Espoir Highway also saw minimal growth yesterday. The fire remains out of control and a water bomber and other aircraft will be deployed again today. So far, no cabins have been destroyed.
Resources were stretched a bit thin yesterday after a fire broke out in Red Harbour on the Burin Peninsula. A water bomber was brought in from Kingston and the fire has since been contained.
The fire burning near Kingston, NL (Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade/Facebook)
More restrictions are coming down in response to the outbreak of wildfires.
Effective immediately, wood harvesting permits in areas with a very high or extreme Fire Hazard Index are suspended.
That includes domestic cutting and all industrial operations.
Virtually the entire island falls into the restrictive rating.
