Article contentMartin Lake, Great Rattling Brook and Rushy Pond areas off Route 360 (Bay d’Espoir Highway), including all cabins from Rushy Pond to Rifle LakeArticle contentThe Martin Lake wildfire continues to be active, but the department said crews were holding the eastern perimeter near the north side of Martin Lake and Great Rattling Brook, along with air and ground suppression efforts.Article contentA water bomber, two helicopters, three air tractors and ground crews will continue to work on the 230-hectare fire on Saturday.Article contentTwo water bombers and a bird dog from Quebec, and 20 firefighters from Ontario are expected to arrive in the province throughout Saturday to assist with the fire-fighting efforts.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentHigher finesArticle contentAs investigations into some of the fires continue the province announced on Friday that it was increasing fines for anyone convicted of intentionally causing a wildfire and other violations involving flammable materials.Article contentDuring a press conference Premier John Hogan said fines now in effect range from $150,000 for a first offence to anywhere from $75,000 to $150,000 for subsequent offences.Article contentThe previous range had been $75 for a first offence and $150 for subsequent offences.Article contentImprisonment in default of payment will increase from three days to up to six months for a first offence and from six days to up to six months for any subsequent offence.Article contentIf a summons is issued for a first offense, fines will increase from $500 to the $50,000 to $100,000 range and imprisonment will increase from up to three months to up to one year. For a subsequent offense, fines increase from a minimum of $1,000 to a range of $75,000 to $150,000, and imprisonment in default will be increased from up to three months to up to one year.Article contentArticle content Premier John Hogan (centre) announced increased fines for those violating fire bans in the province. From left; Lisa Dempster, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture; Hogan; and Jaime Chippett, deputy minister, Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture. Photo by Cameron Kilfoy/The Telegram /THE TELEGRAMArticle content“It’s very clear that these penalties for violating the regulations needed to be higher and everyone needs to take this very seriously,” said Hogan.Article content“I think it’s very clear that (with) the size of the increases and the penalties, including imprisonment, that we mean business and we want people to listen and take this seriously,” he said.Article contentOn the west coast the Bay St. George RCMP said Friday that it planned to increase patrols in the area as they investigate recent fires in that area.Article contentOn Wednesday, Aug. 6, officers responded to a report of a small brush fire in the area of Minnesota Drive and Carolina Avenue in Stephenville. The fire had been extinguished by staff from a local business.Article contentLater on Wednesday night police were advised that firefighters from the St. George’s Fire Department had responded to and extinguished a blaze discovered in the area of Farm Road. This fire was initially reported to and investigated by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture. The RCMP is also now investigating the circumstances surrounding this fire.Article contentThe RCMP is asking anyone with information about the cause of any of these fires is asked to contact the Bay St. George detachment at 709-643-2118.Article contentA province-wide fire ban is currently in effect.Article content
DEVELOPING: Lots more aerial suppression and ground work planned as efforts continue to fight wildfires
