As Newfoundland wildfires rage, misinformation is fanning the flames

Globe and Mail

4 days ago

Frustrated fire officials in Newfoundland and Labrador battling multiple blazes are also having to contend with online misinformation and people angry at government-imposed precautions.
The out-of-control fires, which have threatened the provincial capital this week and forced thousands from their homes, are among 214 wildfires so far this season, a more than 100-per-cent increase over last year.
The provincial government has introduced a ban on all-terrain vehicles on forested roads, and some residents are calling an emergency line meant to assist people in at-risk areas to complain.
In a news conference Thursday, Justice Minister John Haggie made plain that he had lost his patience.
'To all those assholes that were on the phone yesterday talking crap to our staff, stop it,' he said.
'You're the same people who trolled us during COVID. It was unacceptable then, and it's unacceptable now.'
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Provincial officials asked people to honour 'the spirit' of what they're trying to do to prevent wildfires instead of looking for ways around the rules.
Cooler temperatures and some rain are in the forecast, and officials said at a briefing Thursday morning that they are cautiously optimistic things could improve.
'Mother Nature is giving us a little bit of a break, and crews are expecting a good day in parts of the province with regards to fire suppression,' Premier John Hogan said.
But he warned that fire activity could change at any time. Online claims that the fires have been extinguished are false: No visible flames does not mean there isn't fire, he said.
Rumours that emergency heath services are closed and that water restrictions have been implemented are also untrue, officials said. Throughout most of the province, clinics are open and water is safe to drink.
'Please listen to government sources and not these fools on Facebook,' Mr. Haggie said.
Thousands of residents near the capital remain under evacuation alerts, although southwest winds are now blowing the fire away from St. John's.
Waterbombers and helicopters continue to douse the smoking Paddy's Pond wildfire. Ground crews are cutting down dense forest, creating a fire break between the Trans-Canada Highway and the city.
A 20-year-old man was charged with arson and incurred $150,000 in fines for setting four fires in St. John's on Tuesday night. No other arrests have been made in connection with the wildfires, Mr. Hogan said.