Thousands in holding pattern as crews make few gains taming fire near St. John's

ST. JOHN’S — Water bombers have managed to slow the growth of the wildfire threatening Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest city, but the flames are still burning out of control, officials said Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the provincial government is introducing a ban on all-terrain vehicles on forested roads as crews grapple with five out-of-control wildfires across the province — the largest of which now encompasses more than 64 square kilometres, Premier John Hogan told a briefing in St. John’s.

Officials have also handed out two fines — one to an individual and one to a corporation — for activity violating a provincewide fire ban, Hogan said.

“I really hope people understand the seriousness of the fire ban and the fire regulations and what we’re asking people to do,” Hogan said. “If you do