Bay d'Espoir Highway to stay open Wednesday, as central Newfoundland forest fires continue to burn

Smoke from forestfires burning through parts of central Newfoundland will likely start affecting the air quality in some communities starting overnight Wednesday, says the provincial government's Public Safety Department.

In a press release issued Wednesday afternoon, the department said forecasts showthe wind shifting to the south, which could push smoke towardthe Grand Falls-Windsor, Bishop's Fallsand Botwood areas.

The departmentsaid people in those areas will likely notice a smokier atmosphere between 2a.m. Thursday and 7p.m. Friday but it might not be as intense as they originally thought.

"Individuals at a higher risk of health problems or those with concerns can leave the area either on their own or by using the transportation being provided to the congregate shelter in Deer Lake," says the release.

The province is running four buses from central Newfoundland to a shelter in Deer Lake, taking "any individuals impacted by the state of the emergency and deteriorating air quality."

The department is asking other residents to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible while maintaining a comfortable temperature and to turn off or use recirculation settings on their heating, ventilation and air conditioningsystems to keep smoke from entering their home.

Meanwhile, Newfoundland and Labrador's Department of Transportation will keepthe Bay d'Espoir Highway open for at least the rest of Wednesday, as crews continue to battle forest fires in the region.

The road has been opensince Tuesday afternoon, after the department closed it for five days as a result of the forest fire. Wednesday's decision isn't permanent, andofficials will reassess the road Thursday morning.

The government is asking anyone travelling through the area to drive carefully and stop when necessary as smoke will limit visibility. Forest resourceroads alongside the highway are still closed.

The Bay d'Espoir fire is burning on both sides of the highway, and grew slightly since Tuesday morning's update to 5,769 hectares up 42 hectares from Tuesday.

Eight water bombers are attacking the fires Wednesday, said provincial forest fire duty officer Jeff Motty.

The other major fire, burning atParadise Lake,has also grown by an additional 6,800 hectares since Tuesday morning's estimate. Motty saidWednesday the fire now spans 17,233 hectares, or about 172 square kilometres.

The fire ismore than 2 times its estimated size of 6,614 hectares on Monday morning.

Although the area received almost 20 millimetres of rain Tuesday, Motty saidbillowing plumes continueto play a key factor in the fire's growth.

"That one's been kicking up a lot of smoke," Mottysaid. "Early in the incident it was causing major, major problems, and we just had to use our water bombers as effectively as we can."

The fire is still deemed out of control as crews continue to work on the siteWednesday.

WATCH| The CBC's Heather Gillis shares the latest on the fires in central Newfoundland:

N.L. fires growing, smoke still a big threat

2 years ago

Duration 3:07

The CBC's Heather Gillis reports on the growing fires in central Newfoundland despite rain, and fears that shifting winds will drive heavy smoke around to Grand Falls-Windsor.

"The rain certainly did help us yesterday, but we still do have a lot of work ahead of us," he added.

"We'll have to go and do another assessment today to see if it's safe to continue it be open, and that will always be our No. 1 operational objective with the Bay d'Espoir Highway."

The Canadian Coast Guard, meanwhile, is transporting goods to communities on the Connaigre Peninsula by helicopter. Supplies like groceries, diapers and other common goodshave run lowin some areas because of the prolonged road closure.

Smoke expected to enter communities Thursday

Grand Falls-Windsor Mayor Barry Manuel is asking people to prepare for the smoke.

Special air quality statements remain in place across much of central and westernNewfoundland, including Buchans, Green Bay, White Bay, the Corner Brook area and Gros Morne National Park.

"We're trying to get the messaging out today loud and clear that this is still a very serious situation and a possible risk to the community. Obviously smoke is still the main concern," Manuel said.

"So we've been reminding people to make sure they are fully prepared to leave at a moment's notice."

Meteorologist Dale Foote of Environment Canada's weather office in Gandersaid those statements are expected to remain in place through Thursday, but residents could see some relief today before the winds change.

"Most people are getting a break from the smoke today, but by tomorrow it will be back with the southerly winds blowing up toward Grand Falls and the Bay of Exploits," Foote said.

Conditions will be partly cloudy with a chance of drizzle and highs around 17 C to 22 C over much of central Newfoundland Wednesday, Foote said, but the next real chance of stronger showers could be Sunday depending on how weather patterns track.

If a resident is vulnerable to smoke and poor air quality, the town is recommending people evacuate to temporary safe accommodations or the provincial government's evacuation shelter in Deer Lake, the release said.

Buses will be leaving the community from 11 a.m.and5 p.m. NT on Wednesday from both the Joe Byrne Memorial Stadium and Windsor Stadium. Residents are asked to arrive an hour before departure and are encouraged to bring only essential items.

"If you got friends or neighbours or relatives or people who may be up in age or whatever the case may be, check in on them. That would be helpful as well," Manuel said.

Pets are allowed on the bus, but must be in a kettle or crate. They aren't allowed in the evacuation centrebut will be cared for at the pet shelter at the Deer Lake fire hall.

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