Starting tomorrow, first time fines for setting a fire will be at least $50,000

UPDATE: A new evacuation alert is now in effect for the Town of Victoria. An evacuation advisory issued for cabin owners in the Martin Lake, Great Rattling Brook and Rushy Pond areas off Route 360 (Bay d’Espoir Highway) has been extended to include all cabins from Rushy Pond to Rifle Lake (approximately 45 kilometres from the Trans-Canada Highway). Of note, the reception centre at Persalvic in Victoria has relocated to Carbonear. This transition will allow officials to accommodate a larger number of evacuees.

Effective tomorrow, the first time fine for starting a fire without a permit or during a fire ban will be a whopping $50,000. Premier John Hogan said yesterday this would be done and today, he announced it is and more details will come in the next day. There are three wildfires burning on the east coast and Hogan says the one requiring the most attention today is Kingston. Salmon Cove and Ochre Pit are now being evacuated. A letter was sent to the federal government yesterday requesting assistance and Hogan says the Forces are on the way with crews, transportation, firefighters and goods like food and medical supplies. The Canadian Coast Guard is sending 3 helicopters, a planning liaison and two crew comfort trailers. Meanwhile, Public Safety Minister John Haggie says there have been challenges with finding enough accommodations for evacuees and today there will be 900 more with the latest evacuations. He says AirBnB confirmed today there are free vouchers available for evacuees. Meanwhile, today’s forecast in those areas calls for no rain but light winds, which are expected to increase next week.