The Paradise Lake wildfire that tore through parts of central Newfoundland has grown an additional 6,800 acres since Tuesday morning’s estimate as firefighting efforts continue Wednesday.
Provincial wildfire officer Jeff Motty said Wednesday that the fire now covers 17,233 hectares, or about 172 square kilometers.
The fire is more than 2.5 times its estimated extent of 6,614 hectares as of Monday morning.
Although the area received almost 20 millimeters of rain on Tuesday, Motty said the undulating plumes continue to play a key factor in the fire’s growth.
“This one has been making a lot of smoke,” Motty said. “Early in the incident it was causing major, major problems, and we just had to use our water bombers as effectively as possible.”
The fire is still considered out of control as crews continue to work at the site Wednesday.
LOOK | CBC’s Heather Gillis shares the latest on the fires in central Newfoundland:
NL fires grow, smoke remains a major threat
CBC’s Heather Gillis reports on growing fires in central Newfoundland despite rain, and fears shifting winds will drive heavy smoke into Grand Falls-Windsor.
The other major fire, burning near the Bay d’Espoir Freeway, also grew to 5,769 hectares, 42 hectares more than Tuesday.
Eight water bombers are attacking the fires Wednesday, Motty said.
The Bay d’Espoir Freeway remains open Wednesday morning after five days of closures, but Department of Transportation officials said Tuesday they will reassess the road’s condition later.
Motty said crews will be looking for low wind speeds to factor into the decision, which are expected to be around 20km/h.
“The rain certainly helped us yesterday, but we still have a lot of work ahead of us,” he added.
“We’ll have to go do another assessment today to see if it’s safe to stay open, and that will always be our No. 1 operational goal with the Bay d’Espoir Freeway.”
Meanwhile, the Canadian Coast Guard is transporting goods to communities on the Connaigre Peninsula by helicopter. Supplies such as groceries, diapers and other common goods have run out in some areas due to the prolonged road closure.
Smoke is expected to move into communities Thursday
Meanwhile, the mayor of Grand Falls-Windsor is asking residents to brace for heavy smoke in the coming days as winds begin to shift.
Barry Manuel said the city expects to see smoky conditions in the community Thursday, when winds are expected to shift to the south.
Special air quality statements remain in place for much of central and western Newfoundland, including Buchans, Green Bay, White Bay, the Corner Brook area and Gros Morne National Park.
“We’re trying to get the message out loud and clear today that this is a very serious situation and a potential risk to the community. Obviously, smoke remains the main concern,” Manuel said.
“So we’ve been reminding people to make sure they’re fully prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.”
Meteorologist Dale Foote of Environment Canada’s weather office in Gander said those statements are expected to remain until Thursday, but residents could see some relief today before the winds shift.
“Most people are getting a break from the smoke today, but it will be back tomorrow with southerly winds blowing toward Grand Falls and the Bay of Mines,” Foote said.
Conditions will be partly cloudy with a chance of showers and highs around 17C to 22C across much of central Newfoundland on Wednesday, Foote said, but the next real chance for heavier rain could be Sunday depending on how it continues weather patterns.
Grand Falls-Windsor Mayor Barry Manuel says the city expects to see smoky conditions in the community Thursday. (Garrett Barry/CBC)
If a resident is vulnerable to smoke and poor air quality, the city recommends that people evacuate to temporary safe accommodation or the provincial government’s evacuation shelter in Deer Lake, the statement said.
Buses will be leaving the community from 11am and 5pm NT on Wednesday from both Joe Byrne Memorial Stadium and Windsor Stadium. Residents are asked to arrive one hour before departure and are advised to bring only essential items.
“If you have friends or neighbors or family or people who might be of age or whatever, check them out. That would be helpful, too,” Manuel said.
Pets are allowed on the bus, but must be in a crate or crate. They are not allowed in the evacuation center, but will be cared for at the Deer Lake Fire Hall Animal Shelter.
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