State of emergency declared in Newfoundland

Twitter/Transportation and Infrastructure NL

To assist residents impacted by forest fires, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is moving one of the ferries in the provincial ferry fleet to the south coast of Newfoundland to the Connaigre Peninsula.

The Sound of Islay is travelling from Lewisporte to Fortune on the Burin Peninsula to begin moving supplies to the region via Hermitage in the event Route 360, which has closed due to forest fires in the region, remains closed this week.

The vessel will also transport vehicles and passengers who need to depart the region on its return trips to Fortune.

The vessel will arrive in Fortune on Tuesday. Trips will be arranged based on priority by the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre.

For information on emergency lodging, please contact the Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-222-9597.

Additionally, effective immediately, there is a fire ban in place for the entire province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Canadian Forces will work with provincial and municipal officials to plan and coordinate evacuation and movement operations from affected areas as needed.

Crews are battling two major fires which may merge into one in the area.