(Gander) A state of emergency has been declared in parts of central Newfoundland as smoke from raging wildfires is impacting air quality.
Posted at 7:40 a.m.
In a video posted to social media on Saturday evening, Premier Andrew Furey announced that the fire was the biggest the province has seen since 1961.
Although the fire is not currently threatening any community, Furey noted that the wind is changing and the smoke is expected to affect areas such as Grand Falls-Windsor, Bishop’s Falls and the Connaigre Peninsula.
Federal Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair tweeted that he has approved Newfoundland’s request for federal assistance and that Canadian Armed Forces personnel will be deployed to assist provincial and municipal authorities in the effort. evacuation.
Furey urged all residents in the area to be on high alert and prepare to evacuate the area on short notice.
He said he asked Central Health to create an evacuation plan for hospitals, long-term care homes and personal care homes.