You need two hands to count the number of fires set in the Cochrane Pond Park area the past week or two, and so far none has spread. But on the weekend, that was attributed to sheer luck as winds were light.
St. John’s Regional Fire Department Platoon Chief Mike Hall says it takes a significant amount of personnel, equipment and time to respond to such a fire but the threat of spread to woods, homes and other structures is real.
He says high-level meetings are planned and they are doing everything they can to keep people and property safe.
(VOCM News)
RNC deployed a drone Sunday morning to catch a 52-year-old man in the act. He’s been charged in connection with one fire yesterday morning as the authorities continue to investigate several others.
A retired firefighter who has been a part of many investigations says fires in areas such as Cochrane Pond Park present many challenges.
Scott Tilley says in one situation over the past few days, firefighters opened a shed or shanty to find some 35 propane cylinders. Whether in or out of circulation, that spells danger.
He also says firefighters face extra hurdles just getting to the fire because the gates are usually locked.
“Water is scarce, trying to get the equipment you need over those narrow roads – it’s a challenge.”
