Wet weather expected to help fight Badger wildfire, says N.L. fire officer
A wildfire continues to pose a threat to the community of Badger in Newfoundland and Labrador, but there is hope on the horizon as wet weather is expected to assist firefighting efforts. The fire, which was sparked by a lightning strike near the town on Tuesday, prompted officials to issue an evacuation order for residents on Wednesday. Those affected were directed to seek shelter in the nearby community of Grand Falls-Windsor, while a province-wide fire ban was put in place as a precautionary measure.
According to forestry protection supervisor Jeff Motty, Thursday is anticipated to be a crucial day for battling the wildfire that looms near Badger. Motty expressed optimism that the fire weather index would decrease to a moderate level, allowing firefighting crews to more effectively combat the blaze and address any remaining hotspots. Despite the fire being only 600 meters away from the town, Motty indicated that it had been downgraded from a Rank 5 fire to Rank 3. He also mentioned that additional firefighting resources were being requested, with plans to deploy waterbombers and helicopters to target the northwest flank of the fire.
As of Thursday morning, the provincial fire hazard map highlighted the central region of Newfoundland as having a very high risk of fire. Badger Mayor Dennis Butt remained cautiously hopeful about the ongoing firefighting efforts, emphasizing that the situation was still considered “very critical.” He noted that the town would receive further updates from provincial officials, and assured that preparations were in place to protect the community if the fire were to approach.
Despite the evacuation order, some residents opted to remain in Badger, with Butt confirming that roads remained open for those who needed to travel. Over 575 residents had registered with the Red Cross at a local stadium, with accommodations arranged at various locations including private homes, hotels, and motels. The outpouring of support from the community was acknowledged by Butt, who expressed gratitude for the assistance provided to those impacted by the wildfire.
Meteorologist Angelie Menard provided some relief by reporting that Badger had received 2.5 millimetres of rain overnight, with additional rainfall expected in the coming days. This precipitation was anticipated to help diminish the fire activity and assist firefighting operations. However, Menard cautioned that winds were forecasted to strengthen on Friday afternoon, with gusts reaching up to 50 kilometers per hour.
In conclusion, the combined efforts of firefighting crews, local officials, and supportive residents are crucial in managing the wildfire threat in Badger. The integration of weather conditions and firefighting strategies will play a pivotal role in containing the blaze and ensuring the safety of the community. Stay updated on the latest developments by downloading the CBC News app and subscribing to push alerts for Newfoundland and Labrador news.
