The town of Musgrave Harbour in Newfoundland and Labrador has been ordered to evacuate with a wildfire now only one kilometre away from the community. The evacuation order also includes Banting Memorial Park Campground, close to the town.
All four of the province’s active water bombers are now attacking the blaze, which is steadily moving toward the town due to the prevailing winds. The minister also asked that any drones be kept clear of the area, as they would prevent water bombers from flying in the area.
Authorities have advised the town’s residents to relocate to Gander. Meanwhile, authorities also reported that a wildfire is spreading over an area of 16.6 square kilometers in the Chance Harbour region, 110 kilometers from Musgrave Harbour, as of Monday.
Newfoundland and Labrador uses the international ranking scale for fire behaviour, meaning a Rank 5 would be an extremely vigorous surface fire. That scale only goes to 6. Musgrave Harbour’s town council declared a state of emergency Sunday morning, according to a letter released on social media. The letter states that the council has determined that the wildfire poses a serious safety risk to residents and property within the town.
