Via Derrick Bragg on Facebook
Three of the four fires burning in central Newfoundland right now are still out of control.
One of the fires, a small one covering 58 square kilometers, is considered contained and officials are monitoring it to determine if it can be declared extinguished.
The largest fire, in Paradise Lake, grew again last night by about 7,000 hectares, covering 172 square kilometers.
Fire duty officer Jeff Motti says the 18.5mm of rain that fell in the region last night has helped, but conditions are so dry that much more rain is needed.
He says the rivers, swamps and trees are so dry and stressed that they need a lot more rain to help put out the fire. In the meantime, they hope to get some water bombers to safely begin tackling the boundaries of the fire and direct some ground crews to the area.
Firebreak construction continues north of the Paradise Lake fire.
The firebreak, which is 80 meters wide in most areas and 90 meters in others, will be “a good thing for long-term forest protection,” according to Moti.
The mayor of Grand Falls-Windsor stresses the importance of being prepared to evacuate
(Via Derrick Bragg on Facebook.)
Conditions in Grand Falls-Windsor during the last dew days were favorable, with winds blowing smoke from the fires away from the community. However, the mayor stressed that the threat of fires is real and people should be ready to leave immediately.
Barry Manuel emphasizes that although they have not received as much smoke, there is still an uncontrollable fire burning 25 km from the city.
He also said that tomorrow the winds are expected to switch to the southerly, which means they will again blow towards the city.
Manuel says he wants to make sure people are ready to leave if it comes to that.
He says a shelter has been set up at the Deer Lake arena for people who have nowhere to go, and buses leave town at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day for people without transportation.
Manuel says that people, especially those who are most vulnerable, need to take the situation seriously because things can change in an instant.
He says people need to put their contingency plans into action now because the situation would be bad if things turn around and people are not prepared.
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