Goobie says Holyrood’s water woes had no negative impact on firefighting efforts

By Mark Squibb

Holyrood Mayor Gary Goobie said a water shortage and well malfunction this summer had no impact on firefighters’ ability to battle a forest fire that forced some residents of Holyrood to evacuate their homes.
“The challenge we had prior to this incident occurring was dealing primarily with a mechanical issue dealing with one of our pumps,” said Goobie. “That was resolved, and within a very short time frame our water tank, which holds 30 feet of water, replenished very quickly and thereafter, the tank has been in a manageable position at normal levels.”
The trouble was that one of the town’s eight artesian wells had not been producing water at a normal rate. Following installation of a new pump, water levels began to return to normal.
Goobie, who himself was evacuated from his Holyrood home last week, added that Newfoundland Hydro allowed firefighters to tap into their static water well at the thermal generating plant to assist with firefighting efforts.
The mayor praised the coordination efforts between multiple departments and agencies.
“I can’t speak highly enough of our fire departments,” said Goobie, adding that crews were working “around the clock.”
Goobie also expressed gratitude to residents for their continued cooperation and support for those displaced.