The provincial government has confirmed that new structures have been impacted as a result of the forest fire that is raging in Conception Bay North, and that the blaze may reach the community of Ochre Pit Cove later this evening.
Premier John Hogan says the blaze has now surpassed 5,000 hectares in size.
Hogan says the structures that have been affected are in the communities of Adam’s Cove, Kingston, and Western Bay.
He calls that “very difficult news to share,” especially for those in the affected areas. He says because of suppression efforts and smoke they cannot provide more information at this time as to what structures may be impacted.
As for the Martin Lake fire, Hogan says crews continue to hold the northern area of the blaze, with crews focusing on southwestern edge and cabin areas.
The fire reported north of Happy Valley-Goose Bay yesterday is now considered out, but there is a new blaze 19 km south of that town that crews are working on. Hogan notes that both of those fires appear to have been caused by lightning.
Meanwhile, the premier says they have run into issues as it relates to some of the resources they were expecting from other provinces.
He says two aircraft from Quebec have arrived, but two others had to cancel due to maintenance issues. As well, two waterbombers from Ontario will not be coming due to wildfires in that province.
While those assets will not be coming, Hogan says a “high capacity helicopter” will be arriving in the province tomorrow, with the ability to dump 1,000 gallons of water.
