A wildfire in Port Hope Simpson has rapidly expanded, now covering five hectares, compared to two hectares previously reported. Although no evacuation order is in place, a state of emergency has been declared. Charlottetown fire chief Boyce Turnbull mentioned that his team responded to the fire on Wednesday and returned to assist, working until the early hours of the morning to contain the blaze.
The situation remains critical due to warm temperatures and strong winds in the area. Aerial water drops are ongoing to combat the fire. Port Hope Simpson Coun. Sarah Williams reported that crews worked through the night to battle the fire, which came dangerously close to a residential area. While residents of Country Road were evacuated as a precaution, no widespread evacuations have been ordered yet.
Additional firefighting support, including water bombers from Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Gander, is being coordinated. The distance between the communities may impact the operation of the water bombers. Emergency shelters have been set up in nearby areas, with residents being prepared to evacuate if necessary.
Despite challenging weather conditions, fire officials are optimistic about the response efforts. They are striving to gain control of the fire before it escalates further. Stay updated on the latest developments by downloading the CBC News app and subscribing to the daily headlines newsletter for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador.
