A growing forest fire in central Newfoundland has forced the continued closure of a highway that links several small communities on the island’s south coast.
Forestry Department officials had planned to reopen the Bay d’Espoir Highway on Friday, but the fire south of Bishop’s Falls, N.L., grew on Thursday and jumped across the two-lane road, also known as Route 360.
The fire started almost two weeks ago and had prompted previous closures. Photos from the area show a wide swath of thick, grey smoke billowing into the air.
“The fire behaviour was intense yesterday,” said Jeff Motty, the Forestry Department’s provincial duty officer. “It didn’t settle down overnight as we wished. It wasn’t safe for travel (Friday).”
By Thursday, the fire had grown to cover almost 15 square kilometres as hot, windy weather made it difficult for firefighters to control the flames. It is not threatening any communities, but the owners of seasonal cabins in the area have been asked to leave for their own safety.
Motty said there are two other fires burning in the province’s central zone and there is no rain in the forecast.
“We’ve had fire growth in all three of those fires over yesterday — a really hot, dry day with a bit of wind,” he said.
In all, the province is using five water bombers — two are from Quebec — and four helicopters to fight the fires.
The Bay d’Espoir Highway is the only road connecting the communities of Harbour Breton, Hermitage and Conne River to the Trans-Canada Highway, the main provincial highway across Newfoundland. The 200-kilometre rural road runs north to south through a sparsely populated area that includes many other tiny communities.
The region’s health authority has plans in place to deal with any medical emergencies.
“If they need one of our helicopters for an emergency, we would certainly accommodate that,” Motty said. “Our No. 1 operational objective is to open that highway again.”
Premier Andrew Furey issued a brief statement on Twitter, saying he appreciates the support from Quebec.
“I have been speaking with my federal colleagues to let them know we may need further support, and am assured they will be there as needed,” he said. “Stay safe.”
Our Morning Update and Evening Update newsletters are written by Globe editors, giving you a concise summary of the day’s most important headlines. Sign up today.