Update on forest fires in Central Newfoundland

RMS Pope & Cougar volunteers bringing supplies to Harbour Breton. GOV NL.

There is some positive news on the forest fires in Central Newfoundland this morning.

Although both the Paradise Lake fire and the Bay d’Espoir Highway fire remain out of control, both fires are static.

Both air and ground crews are deployed to the fires. Ground crews are working on hotspots and some firebreaks.

The weather outlook is favourable, and air quality is better than had been modelled. The Air Quality Health Index in Grand Falls-Windsor is 2 but could rise to 5 in smoke.

The Bay d’Espoir Highway remains open.

Since conditions are improving, Central Health has started to return residents and patients who were evacuated earlier this week. As of 8:00 am this morning, OB services have resumed in Grand Falls-Windsor.

At this time the State of Emergency remains in place but there will be a further assessment this morning.