logo
Wet, humid weather helps crews battle out-of-control wildfires, says fire duty officer

Wet, humid weather helps crews battle out-of-control wildfires, says fire duty officer

CBC3 days ago
As the weather turns wet and humid, firefighters will be on the ground to battle the out-of-control wildfires threatening two Newfoundland communities, says the provincial fire duty officer.
Wes Morgan said the area around Chance Harbour did get the anticipated rainfall crews expected Monday, which is having a "real, positive impact" on fighting the fire.
"Bad weather makes good firefighting weather," Morgan told CBC.
"Relative humidity and the weather that's out there right now is really helping to keep that fire at bay and really giving us an opportunity to really do some real firefighting out there."
Up to 22 firefighters are on the ground Tuesday, laying down hoses and putting out pumps. He added they will still have aerial support.
The provincial wildfire dashboard lists the Chance Harbour fire at 1,820 hectares in size, an increase from Monday by 20 hectares.
Morgan said he's hoping the fire remains stable, allowing firefighters to get into the area.
The Ragged Harbour fire, which prompted the community of Musgrave Harbour to evacuate over the weekend, is now reported to be 1,660 hectares. While the fire has previously been recorded as 1,800 hectares, Morgan said it has not shrunk.
"That fire was a very fast moving fire during the onset and there was a lot of smoke in the area. So in the last day or so, with some of that smoke dissipating, we're able to get a much finer detail on the area map itself," said Morgan.
He said the fire is still two kilometres from town.
There will be many firefighters working there on the ground, he said, who will focus on the fire's northern flank, which is the area closest to the town.
He added there will be crews putting down hoses and pumps on the eastern and western side for fire suppression work.
"That is the plan for today," said Morgan.
Morgan said he could not give residents an estimate on when they would be able to return to Musgrave Harbour or Chance Harbour. Morgan said the province-wide fire ban is still in effect.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Leaf Rapids home burns after wildfire flames leaped river
Leaf Rapids home burns after wildfire flames leaped river

CBC

time15 hours ago

  • CBC

Leaf Rapids home burns after wildfire flames leaped river

Social Sharing One home has been damaged by wildfire in the northern Manitoba town of Leaf Rapids after flames jumped the Churchill River and entered the community Wednesday night. "For all those who hoped and prayed for a miracle, information is that one normally occupied house on Utik Crescent is the only structure that appears to be damaged from the fire last night. The owner of this house is being contacted directly," a post on the Town of Leaf Rapids Facebook page said Thursday morning. "All other structures are standing and appear to be undamaged." Manitoba government officials are holding a news conference on Thursday at 12:45 p.m. CT to provide an update on wildfires around the province. CBC News will livestream the newser here and on CBC Gem. The latest provincial fire situation report said Monday there were 121 active wildfires across Manitoba. There had been 333 wildfires this year as of Monday, well above the average of 243 for that date. Leaf Rapids — about 150 kilometres northwest of Thompson, or 740 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg — is surrounded by three of those fires. Flames from the fire that leaped across the river and damaged the home forced fire crews to temporarily retreat from the front lines into a safe zone before returning to resume their efforts. Leaf Rapids declared a local state of emergency on July 7, with its 350 residents ordered to evacuate.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store