UPDATE: A new evacuation alert is now in effect for the Town of Victoria. An evacuation advisory issued for cabin owners in the Martin Lake, Great Rattling Brook and Rushy Pond areas off Route 360 (Bay d’Espoir Highway) has been extended to include all cabins from Rushy Pond to Rifle Lake (approximately 45 kilometres from the Trans-Canada Highway). Of note, the reception centre at Persalvic in Victoria has relocated to Carbonear. This transition will allow officials to accommodate a larger number of evacuees.
Effective tomorrow, the first time fine for starting a fire without a permit or during a fire ban will be a whopping $50,000. Premier John Hogan said yesterday this would be done and today, he announced it is and more details will come in the next day. There are three wildfires burning on the east coast and Hogan says the one requiring the most attention today is Kingston. Salmon Cove and Ochre Pit are now being evacuated. A letter was sent to the federal government yesterday requesting assistance and Hogan says the Forces are on the way with crews, transportation, firefighters and goods like food and medical supplies. The Canadian Coast Guard is sending 3 helicopters, a planning liaison and two crew comfort trailers. Meanwhile, Public Safety Minister John Haggie says there have been challenges with finding enough accommodations for evacuees and today there will be 900 more with the latest evacuations. He says AirBnB confirmed today there are free vouchers available for evacuees. Meanwhile, today’s forecast in those areas calls for no rain but light winds, which are expected to increase next week.
$12M project at the Curling westside reservoir will pave the way for 300 new houses
Seven young women from the west coast awarded scholarships
Government calls for Early Childhood Educator Steering Committee to be formed
Over $35M announced for 10 water and sewer projects on the west coast, including $12M for Curling reservoir
Woman dies from injuries after a single vehicle crash near Bonavista Thursday night
