Premier John Hogan says there are no new evacuation orders or alerts today.
The provincial government has imposed a ban on the use of all off road vehicles in forested areas in high fire index areas – which currently encompasses most of the province.
The ban is in place until Sunday, August 17 at which time it will be reviewed.
Hogan says the ban is being put in place out of an abundance of caution because the province cannot afford to experience any more fires at this time.
Hogan offered a description of the type of vehicles that will not be allowed to travel through forested areas for the time being.
They include ATVs, side-by-sides, mini-bikes, dirt bikes, trail bikes, miniature vehicles like dune or sports buggies, off-road maintenance machines, and amphibious vehicles.
Minister acknowledges sacrifices must be made
Forestry Minister Lisa Dempster took a moment during the briefing to address the ban as it relates to rural communities, particularly in Labrador.
She says she understands that there are many communities in which off-road vehicles are the only mode of transportation, and it is the time of year where many are out picking berries. She says right now government is asking people to make a sacrifice, but she stresses that it is only for a short “window in time.”
Premier John Hogan (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador/YouTube)
First fines issued
At least two fines have been issued to-date for violations of the current fire ban in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The province introduced hefty fines of a minimum of $50,000 for anyone who violates the fire ban. It could go as high as $150,000 or result in jail time of between six months and one year.
Premier John Hogan says two fines have been issued so far.
“One has been issued to an individual for using an excavator in a wooded area, and another has been issued to a corporation that was doing mulching with heavy equipment in an area where the fire index was extreme.”
Hogan says more fines may be possible.
The Paddy’s Pond fire (submitted)
Fire resources stretched admits Premier
Premier Hogan admits the province is struggling to keep on top of fires currently burning on the island.
All three, the Paddy’s Pond fire, the Kingston Fire and the Martin Lake fire in central are currently listed as out-of-control.
Hogan was asked today if the province has the resources necessary to tackle all three fires should more fires pop up and he admitted, the answer is no.
“This is part of the issue,” says Hogan, “the more fires that crop up, the assets that we have right now are working to contain the fires but they do continue to grow. We do need rain. You don’t have to be a fire expert to come to that conclusion. this is why we continue to look at options to bring in more assets.”
The province has procured a high capacity Sikorsky helicopter from Alberta at a cost of $2.1 million. The aircraft has a capacity of in excess of 1400 gallons of water and should be arriving in the province in the coming days according to the premier.
