The PC opposition has raised concerns about the province’s ability to fight major wildfires. Although still considered out of control, the fires in central Newfoundland are fading in many places, but crews are watching for hot spots that could flare up. The state of emergency has been lifted and some forest access roads have reopened. Tory critic Pleaman Forsey says now that central fires appear to be well in hand, it is important to look at the province’s ability to fight such fires and ways to increase it. MHA for Exploits points to the province’s waterbomber fleet as an issue. He says the government once had five on hand, but in 2018 it was down to four due to mechanical problems with one of the planes. Forsey notes in 2020 the province said the plane was decommissioned and would likely be sold. However, he says there has been silence on the matter since then. Forsey describes the fires at the center as an “eye-opener” for the government.
