tales-of-Fogo-Island
tales-of-Fogo-Island
tales-of-Fogo-Island
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Since 'white ends' in the forest were so dry, they would burn out <strong>of</strong> control ifthey caught fire. Many local trees were rinded, which allowed fires on <strong>Fogo</strong><strong>Island</strong> to spread rapidly and burn for long periods. This caused the soil to dryand blow away, leaving nothing but barren rocks in some areas.Mednis (1978) studied the effects <strong>of</strong> fire on the landscape <strong>of</strong> <strong>Fogo</strong> <strong>Island</strong>. Hetraced the oldest written report <strong>of</strong> local fires to August 30, 1839. He alsopresented articles from two St. John's newspapers. The first article appearedin the September 3, 1867 issue <strong>of</strong> the Public Ledger and is summarizedbelow:Letter from <strong>Fogo</strong> on August 22, says there are fires there too. Woods on firefor nearly three weeks. Thought it would reach houses. More than thirtyfires seen from hill. More in Hare Bay. Smoke <strong>of</strong>ten dense. Heavy rainslately. Much wood destroyed and fire 6-8' into ground. No rain for over twomonths.The second newspaper report appeared in the July 31, 1875 issue <strong>of</strong> theCourier, and is summarized below:<strong>Fogo</strong> <strong>Island</strong> is on fire in several places, particularly near Seldom Come By,Stag Harbour, and <strong>Island</strong> Harbour. There is also a fire on Brimstone Head,Back Cove, <strong>Fogo</strong> that has been burning for the past three weeks and cannotbe put out . . . At this time while writing (at <strong>Fogo</strong>) the smoke is so dense thatobjects cannot be seen 100 yards <strong>of</strong>f' although it is only 4 P.M.Two men arrived by boat from <strong>Island</strong> Harbour, 7 miles <strong>of</strong>f reporting a number<strong>of</strong> houses burnt. This fire is reported to cover four to five miles. It appears thatnothing can stop it unless there is heavy, heavy, rain. It is approaching HareBay rapidly and is reported to be coming out in Shoal Bay between Joe Batt'sArm and <strong>Fogo</strong>. It is reported that the fire originated in Little Seldom Come Byor Cobb's Cove where a woman named Rebecca Squires was making salmonin an old tilt in which she carelessly left fire.The history <strong>of</strong> forest fires on <strong>Fogo</strong> <strong>Island</strong> may never be fully documented.However, it is likely that fire played an important role in changing thelandscape forever.
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