Largest wildfire in eastern Newfoundland has destroyed up to 100 homes: officials

Officials say the largest wildfire burning in Newfoundland and Labrador may have destroyed up to 100 homes and structures.

However, Premier John Hogan says it is still too dangerous for crews to get into the area to complete an accurate tally.

The fire burning along the northwestern shore of Conception Bay began on Aug. 3 near Kingston, N.L., and Hogan says it now measures more than eight square kilometres.

Meanwhile, Forestry Department spokesman Jamie Chippett says improving weather has helped slow the wildfire burning near St. John’s, but it is still burning in the ground and considered out of control.

In St. John's, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary says officers arrested a 20-year-old man for allegedly setting a series of brush fires in the downtown on Tuesday night.

The police force says the man is scheduled to appear in court on charges of arson with disregard of human life.