Article contentA waterbomber that was supposed to come from Ontario has also been delayed because it’s needed to respond to a fire in that province.Article contentAs a result, the province is contracting the services of what Hogan described as a “high capacity helicopter” that’s expected to arrive tomorrow.Article contentBased in Manitoba and owned by a private business, he said the province will be paying $1.1 million for use of the helicopter for a week.Article contentTo put it in perspective, he said, NL’s waterbombers have a 1,600-gallon capacity, and the helicopter has a 1,000-gallon capacity, “so it is a significant asset that will certainly help tomorrow.”Article content“We’re continuing to monitor options throughout the country to see if they can be of any assistance,” Hogan said while expressing gratitude for the air support from New Brunswick and Quebec and the ground support from Ontario.Article contentArticle contentOther firesArticle contentThe Martin Lake fire, which is still out of control and now covers 255 hectares, continues to be held on the northern area, with the two waterbombers from Quebec, three air tractors from New Brunswick and a bird dog aircraft, as well as ground crews, are on scene.Article contentEfforts are being made to keep the southwestern edge from growing and protect cabins in the area, Hogan said.Article contentSo far, Hogan said, there’s been no impact on the highway.Article contentThe Holyrood fire, meanwhile, is now considered to be held and is fully contained with hoselines. The evacuation orders for Holyrood and Conception Bay South were lifted Saturday afternoon. The fire is fully contained by hose lines, he said, and ground search and rescue crews are scanning for hot spots this evening.Article contentArticle contentA fire in Labrador that broke out Saturday in the Grand Lake Forest Access Road is now out.Article contentHowever, a new fire about 19 kilometres south of Happy Valley Goose Bay is being assessed by crews. Helicopters and ground crew are responding, he said.Article contentBoth Labrador fires are thought to be the result of lightning strikes.Article contentSupport for evacueesArticle contentSafety minister John Haggie said Newfoundlanders have been showing up to help evacuees, saying “they’ve received so many donations the building is full and they can’t take on anything more.”Article contentFisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Minister Lisa Dempster, who visited with evacuees alongside Hogan on Sunday, spoke of “rooms stacked so full of clothing,” much of it new that had been donated from local businesses, to help support those who had been displaced.Article contentHaggie said an executive chef was donating his time to make meals, while music and entertainment had been planned to offer a distraction.
DEVELOPING: NL paying $1.1 million to rent high capacity helicopter for a week to fight wildfires as more homes lost
