The Provincial Government is working closely with federal, municipal and community partners during this unprecedented wildfire situation to ensure the health and safety of residents. The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre is at Level 2 and is actively coordinating emergency response.

For the most up to date information on the wildfires, visit www.gov.nl.ca/alerts and follow the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on Facebook and on X.

Accommodations
While emergency officials, Canadian Red Cross and Salvation Army are working diligently to assist evacuees, accommodations are severely limited on the Avalon Peninsula. As a result, some accommodations facilitated by the Canadian Red Cross will be modified. Priority will be given to seniors and persons with disabilities.

If your accommodation is impacted, Canadian Red Cross will contact you directly. For more information, call 709-729-0921.

The Provincial Government thanks organizations and community partners assisting residents who are displaced as a result of the wildfire.

Current Evacuation Orders

Town of Small Point-Adam’s Cove-Blackhead-Broad Cove
Town of Western Bay
Town of Salmon Cove
Unincorporated area of Kingston
Unincorporated area of Perry’s Cove
Unincorporated area of Ochre Pit Cove
Sections of Holyrood
Sections of Conception Bay South

Residents MUST register:

In person at: in Carbonear at Carbonear Academy, 88 Valley Road; OR
in Conception Bay South at Villanova Junior High, 2697 Topsail Rd
Or by phone: 709-729-0921

If residents take shelter elsewhere, you are still required to register.

Current Evacuation Alert
An evacuation alert is in effect for the Town of Victoria.

Current Evacuation Advisory
Cabin owners in the Martin Lake, Great Rattling Brook and Rushy Pond areas off Route 360 (Bay d’Espoir Highway), including all cabins from Rushy Pond to Rifle Lake (approximately 45 kilometres from the Trans-Canada Highway).

Wildfire Information

Small Point-Adam’s Cove-Blackhead-Broad Cove, Kingston, Western Bay, Perry’s Cove, Salmon Cove, Ochre Pit Cove

The Kingston wildfire remains very active and smoky. New mapping this morning indicates the size is approximately 2,875 hectares. Most of the growth in the past day has occurred on the western side of the fire. Work on fuel breaks on the southern edge near Perry’s Cove has been going well with about 1.3 kilometres of a planned two kilometres completed. Three water bombers, three helicopters, and ground crews are actioning the fire this morning. A fourth water bomber will be joining this afternoon. Military assistance will be on site later today and 20 wildland fighters will be arriving from Ontario on Saturday.
Route 70 is closed from Persalvic School Complex in Victoria to the entrance to Northern Bay. A checkpoint is set up at Ridge Road to prevent access to Salmon Cove.

Sections of Holyrood and sections of Conception Bay South

Crews had another good day on the Holyrood fire, with light smoke and a few hotspots reported this morning. Ground crews are on site, along with a helicopter to provide bucketing. The fire remains at approximately 22 hectares.
Roads are closed at the following places:

Seal Cove Road
377 Conception Bay Highway

Martin Lake, Great Rattling Brook and Rushy Pond areas off Route 360 (Bay d’Espoir Highway), including all cabins from Rushy Pond to Rifle Lake

The wildfire at Martin Lake increased slightly overnight, but remains at approximately 230 hectares, with very smoky conditions. Ground crews are working the fire line and overseeing structure protection. A water bomber, three 802 tankers, and three helicopters will be working the fire today.  Work on the fire break between the north side of Martin Lake and Great Rattling Brook continues.

Mental Health
An emergency event can lead to fear and anxiety. Mental health resources and supports are on hand at each reception centre.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, need support, or are looking for health information, call 811.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 immediately.

Air Quality Advisory and Statements
An air quality advisory has been issued for Avalon Peninsula North.

Special air quality statements have been issued for St. John’s and vicinity due to smoke-related air quality concerns.

Air Quality Status
Holyrood and Kingston/Adam’s Cove Areas

Air Quality Health Index – 3 (Low Risk) but may reach High Risk (7) in smoke through Friday and Saturday nights.
Wind forecast for both areas is light and variable: north-northeast 17 km/h

Grand Falls-Windsor (Martin Lake Area)

Air Quality Health Index – 3 (Low Risk) but may reach Moderate Risk (6) in smoke on Friday, Low Risk (2) except Moderate Risk (6) in smoke Friday night. Low Risk (3) but may reach High Risk (7) in smoke through Saturday and Saturday night.
Wind forecast is calm and light: north 3 km/h.

Special Air Quality Statement vs. Air Quality Advisory

A Special Air Quality Statement is issued when the Air Quality Health Index is 7–10, indicating high health risk.
An Air Quality Advisory is issued when the Air Quality Health Index exceeds 10 for three or more hours, typically during wildfire smoke events.

Drones and watercraft
Drone and watercraft operators are impacting waterbombers from picking up water, hindering suppression efforts. Residents need to respect the dedicated efforts of the province’s firefighting personnel.

Fire Hazard Rating
A province-wide fire ban is now in effect in Newfoundland and Labrador.

To report a wildfire, call: 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).

The latest information on the location, status, and size of active wildfires can be viewed online at the NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.

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2025 08 08
12:57 pm