The Provincial Fire Duty Officer says an increase in the number of forest fires is directly related to the hot, dry weather experienced recently in parts of the province.
Jamie Kennedy says a combination of high temperatures and dry weather has created optimal conditions for fires. Yesterday was particularly busy, and while there were no major blazes to contend with, he says it’s obvious that it’s connected with the weather.
Kennedy says the most noteworthy fire yesterday was near Twillingate. While it was less than an acre in size, a tanker and multiple crews were dispatched to the area, as it was about 300 metres away from the town.
There are three other fires under close attention. A fire near Sandy Island Lake in Labrador and another near Millertown are mostly under control. Forestry officials are also monitoring a fire that began on July 10 near the QSNL Railway in Labrador.
As of yesterday, 50 fires have been reported across Newfoundland and Labrador since the start of the forest fire season, with about 1,015 hectares burned.
Due to the Fire Hazard rating the Corner Brook Fire Department has issued a FIRE ADVISORY for the City of Corner Brook.
Read more here about what is and is not permitted during this levelhttps://t.co/EvsxpxwEHb
— VOCM – West Coast NL (@570VOCM) July 21, 2020
Forest Fire Index Indicates High Risk
The Fire Hazard Forecast shows a relatively high risk for forest fires across the island for Tuesday, as well as parts of southeast Labrador.
Environment Canada has issued heat warnings for central and northeastern parts of Newfoundland, with temperatures expected to linger in the high 20s for the next few days.
Under the high-risk threat level, fires may start easily, burn quickly, and challenge suppression efforts. Some activities may be restricted.