Wet, humid weather helps crews battle out-of-control wildfires, says fire duty officer

As the weather turns wet and humid, firefighters will be on the ground to battle the out-of-control wildfires threatening two Newfoundland communities, says the provincial fire duty officer.

Wes Morgan said the area around Chance Harbour did get the anticipated rainfall crews expected Monday, which is having a "real, positive impact" on fighting the fire.

"Bad weather makes good firefighting weather," Morgan told CBC.

"Relative humidity and the weather that's out there right now is really helping to keep that fire at bay and really giving us an opportunity to really do some real firefighting out there."

Up to 22 firefighters are on the ground Tuesday, laying down hoses and putting out pumps. He added they will still have aerial support.

The provincial wildfire dashboard lists the Chance Harbour fire at 1,820 hectares in size, an increase from Monday by 20 hectares.

Morgan said he's hoping the fire remains stable, allowing firefighters to get into the area.

The Ragged Harbour fire, which prompted the community of Musgrave Harbour to evacuate over the weekend, is now reported to be 1,660 hectares. While the fire has previously been recorded as 1,800 hectares, Morgan said it has not shrunk.

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It’s been twice in a month that Gander has had to step up as a place to house evacuees of wildfires this summer. Mayor Percy Farwell said the town is eager to help wherever possible and are lending a hand to keep things under control following the evacuation from a fire in Musgrave Harbour.

"That fire was a very fast moving fire during the onset and there was a lot of smoke in the area. So in the last day or so, with some of that smoke dissipating, we're able to get a much finer detail on the area map itself," said Morgan.

He said the fire is still two kilometres from town.

There will be many firefighters working there on the ground, he said, who will focus on the fire's northern flank, which is the area closest to the town.

He added there will be crews putting down hoses and pumps on the eastern and western side for fire suppression work.

"That is the plan for today," said Morgan.

Morgan said he could not give residents an estimate on when they would be able to return to Musgrave Harbour or Chance Harbour. Morgan said the province-wide fire ban is still in effect.

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