Graves in the older portion of the UC Cemetery in Western Bay South (VOCM News)
The fire in Conception Bay North has caused extensive damage, but what was destroyed and what was spared is something many residents are trying to wrap their heads around.
A shrub burned, while the grass around was spared (VOCM News)
In many places, the fire found purchase, while skipping over other areas.
Cabot Academy was completely destroyed in the blaze. (VOCM News)
At Cabot Academy in Western Bay, fire obliterated the school, leaving nothing more than a massive heap of twisted metal and debris, while the nearby playground is intact and untouched.
North Shore Fire Chief Roger Gillingham says in some cases, the fire burned through vegetation and debris, but stopped at the edge of manicured lawns, having run out of fuel.
Gillingham says it’s a testament to keeping vegetation around your home cut and clear. He cited the old United Church cemetery in Western Bay South, where the fire burned through the older portion of the cemetery that had grown over, while the newer part was untouched.
The fire came to an abrupt halt after burning through the older portion of the Western Bay South UC Cemetery (VOCM News)