Two waterbombers, firefighters pack it in for the night; work on controlling fire will continue Sunday
Two waterbombers who spent six hours dumping fire repellent on a forest fire off the Herb Jamieson Road near Hartin Settlement have suspended operations for the night. The Department of Natural Resources has also ‘released’ firefighters on the scene, asking them to return on Sunday.
Canterbury Fire Chief Michael Furrow said the departments will be back first thing in the morning. Meanwhile, people living in the area have been put on alert.
“Residents of Hartin Settlement were put on evacuation alert this evening by JPS (Justice and Protective Services),” Furrow wrote in a social media post. ” But (they) have since been notified that the alert has been rescinded for now.”
Furrow said DNR firefighters are remaining on the scene overnight to monitor the situation.

On Saturday, Aug. 9, just after the provincial government announced restrictions on activities on Crown lands due to extreme wildfire conditions across New Brunswick, firefighters were called to a blaze near Skiff Lake. Firefighters from the Department of Natural Resources, Canterbury, North Lake, and Debec battled the blaze all afternoon and into the evening. Woodstock and Meductic Departments are on standby.
“It’s still out of control at this time,” said Chief Furrow.
Smoke and waterbombers could be seen from homes and cottages along Skiff and First Eel River Lakes throughout the afternoon.
“We don’t have a handle on the size yet,” Chief Furrow said after firefighters were discharged for the night. “The cause is not determined at this time.”

(MapArt: Atlantic Canada Back Road Atlas image)
Earlier in the day, Furrow asked people to steer clear of the fire scene.
“For anyone thinking of putting a drone up, do not. This will stop the waterbomber operations,” said Furrow in a social media post.
The entire province is currently under a fire ban, as conditions are dangerously dry.
Chief Furrow is hoping people start to pay attention to the dry conditions.
“Another call within Lakeland Ridges tonight turned out to be a bonfire,” he said. “(We had) a similar call last night in the municipality as well. I have difficulty with the response, “We didn’t know.” Please, everyone, please…”

In an announcement on social media, St. Gertrude Church notified parishioners that their St. Francis of Assisi Shrine Service scheduled for Skiff Lake on Sunday, Aug. 10, with Bishop Riesbeck, will now take place at 11:30 at St. Gertrude Church in Woodstock. Rosary, Healing Service, and Anointing will follow the Mass. St. Gertrude Church Hall will be open for refreshments and washroom facilities.
More to come…