On Monday, smoke from a nearby wildfire could be seen drifting over Signal Hill in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The Canadian Press
Christine McNeil has spent days cooking for crews battling a massive wildfire in Newfoundland and Labrador. Her restaurant, The Mess Tent Poutinerie, sits just seven kilometres from the blaze in Lower Island Cove. She and her three staff prepare meals for firefighters, many of them volunteers.
McNeil, a former military supply technician, says she feels prepared for the task.
“These boys can’t put the hose down to go home for supper,” she said. “I’m safe and comfortable, and they’re not, so I can help them.”
Wildfire Grows and Emergency Declared
The Kingston fire, northwest of St. John’s, started on August 3. It has now spread to 5,200 hectares, destroying homes and forcing evacuations. The province declared a regional state of emergency.
McNeil and other businesses have coordinated meal schedules, feeding crews up to five times daily. She says she will keep cooking as long as she is not evacuated.
Conditions Fuel Fires Across Canada
Hot, dry weather has kept wildfires burning in several provinces. Newfoundland reported seven active fires on Monday. Smoke has made it impossible to count damaged homes along Conception Bay.
Premier John Hogan announced 80 Canadian Armed Forces firefighters would join local crews, with two water bombers and a guide plane arriving from Ontario.
The province is giving $500 in financial help to each evacuated household. Around 3,000 people from 1,500 homes have already left. Hogan urged residents to pack in case they need to leave immediately.
Strict Fire Ban and Ongoing Investigation
Hogan and Fisheries Minister Lisa Dempster reminded residents that a fire ban is in place. Breaking it could mean a $50,000 fine. The RCMP is still investigating the cause of the fires in the Bay de Verde Peninsula.
Heat Warnings Add to the Challenge
Heat warnings are in effect across much of southern Canada, including Newfoundland and Labrador. The extreme heat, combined with smoke, is affecting air quality nationwide.
In British Columbia, residents near Cameron Lake were allowed to return home after the Wesley Ridge wildfire was contained.
Community Spirit Shines
Bay de Verde resident Deena Riggs says she’s never seen anything like these fires. She fears they will change the landscape forever.
Riggs launched a fundraising campaign to help businesses like McNeil’s cover the cost of feeding firefighters.
“Instead of making money from tourists, they’re paying out of pocket to help,” she said. “It’s a beautiful thing.”
