MHA says province looking at financial help after C.B.N. wildfire

The MHA for Carbonear–Trinity–Bay de Verde says the provincial government is assessing the damage done by a raging wildfire in Conception Bay North last week.

Steve Crocker's district includes Small Point–Adam's Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove, where the fire destroyed at least 12 houses and hit about 45 structures in total.

Crocker spoke with CBC News on Monday about the government's response to the event.

CBC News asked whether the province is planning any financial help for the people affected by the fire. Crocker said some residents may be eligible for the federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program, but N.L. is talking about offering help at a provincial level.

"That's a conversation we will continue to have through other government departments," he said.

In the meantime, Crocker is encouraging people to remove debris from their properties and to keep their grass trimmed during the warmer months to lessen the damage from any possible fires in the future.

He said a fire ban in the Conception Bay North region might be helpful, because this year "is going to be very bad."

Cellular concerns

But Adam's Cove residents like Pauline White have renewed their calls for improved cellular service in the area since the fire. 

"We had a cell phone that we couldn't use. There was no wi-fi, no cell signal. I couldn't get a hold of any of my family to let them know that we were OK. I couldn't let anybody know about the house," White told CBC News on Friday.

On Monday, she said Eastlink customers in her town were told the company will not restore internet until May 29.

CBC News has asked Eastlink for a response. 

The town also woke up without service from Bell on Sunday morning due to fire damage to the company's infrastructure, depleting its already spotty cellular service. 

Crocker — who is also the minister of industry, energy and technology — said cell service has been a longtime challenge in that region of the province. 

He said his department works closely with companies like Bell, but more work could be done.

"Obviously it is a significant challenge," said Crocker. "And when you see circumstances like [what happened] this past week, it highlights the need."

In an email, Sonja Pomeroy — a spokesperson for Premier John Hogan — said "Premier Hogan was regularly briefed on the wildfires and the impacts they were having on communities."

Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Click here to visit our landing page.