UPDATE: Province updates efforts to battle wildfire near Port Hope Simpson
A wildfire burning near Port Hope Simpson remains out of control, with the community continuing under a state of emergency and evacuation alert as firefighters and forestry personnel worked through the night to protect residents and contain the blaze.
The Department of Forestry issued an update Thursday afternoon:
“The safety and well-being of Port Hope Simpson and its residents remains our highest priority. Emergency Management staff continue to work closely with the Town of Port Hope Simpson and local first responders. A regional emergency planner and a fire protection officer are en route this morning to support the town.
“There will be aerial fire suppression efforts on the Port Hope Simpson fire all day today, with three water bombers and two helicopters. The fire is approximately five hectares.
“There are approximately 30 firefighters supporting fire suppression efforts on the ground from Port Hope Simpson, Mary’s Harbour, Charlottetown and the Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands. An additional ground crew from the department are currently en route.
“Residents are encouraged to take precautions to protect their health due to smoke from wildfires that may cause a reduction in air quality.
“The Town of Port Hope Simpson remains under an EVACUATION ALERT. The area of Country Road has been evacuated.”
Information on the Fire Weather Index, regulations, and active wildfires is available at www.gov.nl.ca/fal/wildfiremanagement/
Original Story:
As of Wednesday evening, the fire was approximately 330 metres from the nearest home, according to an update from local officials. Thirty firefighters and three forestry staff were expected to work in shifts overnight, maintaining a watch on the fire and responding as conditions change.
Two water bombers are expected to be deployed this morning. One aircraft will arrive from Goose Bay, followed by another from Gander. Their arrival times are being staggered to ensure that at least one aircraft is available over the fire during the day.
The water bomber that had been fighting the fire Thursday returned to Goose Bay after reaching the end of its four-hour mission. Forestry officials determined there was not enough time to refuel the aircraft and return it to the fire before darkness.
The helicopter continued operations until dark Thursday, while forestry personnel coordinated an overnight watch with local firefighters. Officials say the operational plan will be adjusted if necessary as new information becomes available and conditions on the ground are assessed.