N.L. lifts evacuation order for Badger, while wildfire still burns nearby
Wildfire is still active, out of control, but residents can return home
The Newfoundland and Labrador government lifted the evacuation order for Badger on Friday afternoon, allowing residents to return home for the first time since fleeing a wildfire on Wednesday.
Premier John Hogan made the announcement while talking to reporters Wednesday afternoon. The decision was made in consultation fire behaviour specialists in the province.
"We're in a position where we're comfortable with the fire, if you're familiar with the area, it won't jump the river toward Badger," Hogan said. "We're very fortunate that the houses and the structures weren't damaged in this fire. So it's a good day."
The fire near the town is still burning out of control, but Forestry Minister Lisa Dempster said crews are confident they can keep it at bay. One water bomber and three helicopters will remain on scene to fight hot spots.
"When we look back to where we were a couple days ago, this could have been a very different outcome. And we really do need to toss a great bouquet to the folks that we have in Forestry, that are fighting the fires, that are on the ground," she said.
The fire started Tuesday and prompted an evacuation order by the province, forcing hundreds of people to flee the area to nearby Grand Falls-Windsor.
Hogan also took time to thank crews for their work in fighting the fire, and the people of Grand Falls-Windsor and the surrounding area for their hospitality.
Craig Coady, director of the province's wildfire response program, said crews will continue working as residents return. High winds in the forecast this weekend could also move smoke through the community, he said.
"They'll see continued wildfire suppression efforts in terms of aircraft, you know, helicopters and water bombers. They'll see our ground crews around," Coady said.
"We had enough [precipitation] that helped us be able to get in there and get some ground crews into some … of the key areas."
Coady said the areas of fire that were threatening the community have been assessed and have received the majority of the suppression effort"
Badger mayor Dennis Butt said he is optimistic that efforts to battle the blaze are having a positive impact.
"[We're] feeling a lot better today than yesterday, and yesterday was a lot better than the day before. Fire crews have done an amazing job," Mayor Dennis Butt told CBC Radio's Newfoundland Morning on Friday morning.
As of Friday morning, the provincial fire hazard maps lists the area as low risk of fire — a downgrade over the course of the week where the area had been ranked as extreme risk of fire.
In a statement to CBC News, government spokesperson Janice Goudie said the fire is approximately 300 to 400 metres from the community and had burned 1,119 hectares. It also has not jumped the Exploit's River.
She said the plan on Friday is to asses the conditions, deploy ground crews to key areas and utilize aerial assets as required.
While an evacuation order was issued on Wednesday, some people decided to stay in the community.
"There's still a very low number of residents who chose to stay. The RCMP went door to door again late yesterday and just emphasized the fact that, you know, there is a state of emergency in effect," he said.
Residents who did evacuate say they are feeling the stress, but they feel supported by neighbouring communities and organizations.
Provincial fire ban remains in effect
Dempster told reporters Friday a provincial fire ban, which has been in place since Wednesday, will remain in effect.
The ban includes open fires of any kind, along with the use outdoor wood-burning appliances and charcoal barbecues.
"We've had 124 forest fires so far this season.… We're only in June this year," Dempster said. "So the provincewide fire ban remains in effect."
Coady advised people to take extreme caution heading into the weekend, as much of the province's firefighting resources are tied up in Badger.
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With files from Newfoundland Morning, Peter Cowan and Heather Gillis