Kingston fire being held, more financial assistance coming for C.B.N. evacuees and businesses

The Kingston wildfire has been downgraded from burning out of control to being held, while the Newfoundland and Labrador government says more support will be available for those who had to flee from Conception Bay North.

The fire is still 10,095 hectares in size, but on Wednesday provincial fire duty officer Jeff Motty said work on the north and west edges of the fire has gone well.

“There may be fire within the perimeter of that fire, but there’s no threat of that fire moving beyond our existing containment lines,” Motty told CBC Radio’s On The Go.

“It’s really significant for, you know, anyone that’s in the area. When we make that status change from out of control to being held, we’re pretty comfortable that all the resources that we got on site and the personnel, the equipment, that fire perimeter is not going to get any larger.”

Motty said while the switch in designation is good news for residents of the area — who are now in their third week of being evacuated — there’s still work to be done before any decision to allow people to return can be made.

“This is a fire that’s done a lot of damage,” he said. “Moving it to being held means different things for [officials] as well, but that’s something outside the fire that I’m not willing to comment on.”

At a fire update briefing earlier in the day, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier John Hogan said people who were forced to flee their homes due to the Kingston fire are getting more financial assistance.

The government is providing $500 to primary households forced to evacuate for more than 14 days. This is in addition to a pre-existing $500 payment made to evacuees earlier this month.

“This will further help those who have been impacted from the wildfires and assist in purchasing more essentials, like food and personal supplies, as they continue to be unable to return to their homes and communities,” Hogan told reporters on Wednesday.

Evacuees must be registered with the Canadian Red Cross to receive the payment, said Hogan, adding if they’ve already registered and received the first payment they don’t need to register again.

Hogan also announced the province will be providing financial assistance in the form of temporary housing support to C.B.N households whose primary residence is uninhabitable and uninsured.

Evacuees staying in private accommodations with friends, family or other community members, are eligible for $1,000 per household per month. Evacuees staying in rental accommodations are eligible for up to $1,500 per household per month. 

Housing Minister Jamie Korab said if someone can’t find any private or rental accommodations, the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation will help them find accommodation at a licensed hospitality establishment.

Supports for businesses, employees

Korab also announced additional funds for small and medium-sized businesses impacted by the wildfire.

The province will provide a one-time stipend of $1,500 to businesses with two to nine employees, and $2,500 to businesses with 10 to 99 employees.

C.B.N.-based businesses or businesses that employ people from the region are also able to receive up to 42 weeks of wage subsidies.

Korab also said the work supports program allocation is being increased from $1,000 to $2,000 per employee. These funds are to help support the replacement of tools, equipment, attire or other costs associated with returning to work.

The program is also extended to include self-employed individuals.

The province is also looking to support the creation of jobs in the region through the job creation partnership program. The program will accept applications from non-profits focused on wildfire impacted regions, with an emphasis on community remediation, forestry and tree planting.

“We want you to know you’re not alone. You are our priority and we are here for you every step of the way,” said Korab. 

“To every resident and business owner affected, we will continue to stand with you. We are working around the clock to ensure you have the support you need today and tomorrow and in the road ahead,” said Hogan. 

$100K for new coveralls

Hogan also announced the government will be spending $100,000 on new wildland coveralls for volunteer fire departments that have contributed to the wildfire response.

A statement from the Department of Forestry said 35 volunteer fire departments have supported wildfire suppression efforts during August. There are approximately 6,000 volunteer firefighters total across the province. 

“Firefighters are putting their lives and have put their lives on the line and set aside personal responsibilities to protect their communities and neighbours across our province,” said Hogan.

Meanwhile, the Martin Lake fire remains under control and 1,633 hectares. A fire at nearby West Lake is also under control and just one hectare in size.

The sole out of control fire burning in the province, at Udjuktok Bay in northern Labrador, is listed at 571 hectares.

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