The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is moving one of the ferries in the provincial ferry fleet to the south coast of Newfoundland to assist residents and travellers impacted by the state of emergency on 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 department anticipates the vessel arriving in Fortune on Tuesday, August 9. Trips will be arranged based on priority by the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre. More details will be provided as they become available.
The department thanks local harbour and port authorities at Fortune for cooperating and making accommodations for the vessel.
On Saturday, August 7, the Department of Justice and Public safety declared a state of emergency in the areas of Grand Falls-Windsor, Bishop’s Falls and the Connaigre Peninsula.
For information on emergency lodging, please contact the Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-222-9597.
Updates on resources and assistance will be made available continuously throughout this evolving situation.
Quotes
“The safety of residents remains our government’s top priority and departments are working together to assist everyone impacted by the fires in central Newfoundland. We encourage everyone to stay safe, check on your neighbours, and stay informed as this situation evolves.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“This fire is a very dangerous one and I commend everyone who is doing their part, including municipal leaders and medical professionals, and those who are assisting friends, family, and neighbours during this challenging time. Many people are working hard to keep us all safe. Our government is doing everything possible to reopen the Bay d’Espoir Highway. Sending the Sound of Islay to Fortune and Hermitage will make sure that urgent supplies get to our region and people who need to leave will be able to do so.“
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and MHA for Fortune Bay – Cape La Hune
“With the Declaration of Emergency in place, the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre is coordinating all efforts in relation to the forest fires. We would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and ask members of the public to follow the advice provided.”
Honourable John Hogan
Minister of Justice and Public Safety
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Learn more
Public Advisory: Open Fire Ban Expanded to Include Entire Province of Newfoundland and Labrador
Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Brian Scott
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-3015, 725-9201
brianscott@gov.nl.ca
Emily-Jane Gillingham
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-2634, 730-4607
emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca