(Bay dEspoir Highway via Department of Transportation.)
Things went from bad to worse in the Bay d’Espoir Highway area of central Newfoundland early yesterday afternoon after several days of hot, dry weather. The highway was closed but has since reopened.
Forest Service Firefighter Jeff Motti says it’s tough to fight Mother Nature, but they got all crews out of the area safely after the change in fire intensity.
The column of smoke increased significantly, reducing visibility and limiting the firefighters’ ability to see what was happening. The wind was also a factor. They are currently assessing the situation.
(Fire at Carbonear.)
Meanwhile, the Veterans Memorial Highway was reopened as fire crews battled a brush fire in Carbonear last night, which caused some anxious moments due to its proximity to homes and businesses.
Around 5:00 p.m., emergency crews were called to Carbonear, where a fire broke out near the Dairy Queen and Earle’s Riding Horses at the top of the hill.
The highway was closed for several hours as a water bomb had to be called in to douse the flames.
The business did not sustain any damage, but residents remained in the area until the fire was extinguished about six hours after it broke out.
Moti says they’ve made progress and will get back to him today.
They laid hoses about 10 percent of the perimeter.
As the fire burned in the heart of Carbonear, personnel and equipment were called in from other areas.
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