The Town of Musgrave Harbour issued an evacuation order today (July 20, 2025) due to an out-of-control wildfire. The evacuation order remains in place.

Work is ongoing with federal, municipal and community partners to ensure the health and safety of residents in Musgrave Harbour.

Currently, the fire is about 1,700 hectares and is approximately two kilometres away from the Town of Musgrave Harbour.

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture have wildfire suppression ground resources and air support actioning the fire including four water bombers, a bird dog aircraft and crews.

At this point in time, the fire is moving south and east of the community and is unlikely to impact the community today, however, it is anticipated that the fire will cross the highway towards Banting Memorial Park this evening or overnight.

The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre is at Level 2 and is actively monitoring this situation. Emergency management partners have been engaged to respond, where necessary. Updates on conditions, resources and assistance will be made available continuously throughout this evolving situation.

For the most up to date information, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/alerts/ and follow the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on Facebook and on X. The latest information on the location, status and size of active wildfires can be viewed online at the NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.

Register
A reception centre has been set up at Steele Memorial Centre, 155 Airport Boulevard, in the Town of Gander, for all evacuees.

ALL evacuees MUST register with Canadian Red Cross. Residents can do this two ways:

Go to the Steele Centre in PERSON, or
Call 709-729-0921.

For those that may have made arrangements to take shelter elsewhere, you are still required to register.

The Canadian Red Cross, the Salvation Army and Ground Search and Rescue officials are on-site and ready to assist at Steele Memorial Centre with food, drink and emergency accommodations for those that require assistance.

Transportation
RCMP and Ground Search and Rescue are currently stationed at road blocks at the entrance to Aspen Cove and Banting Memorial Park. Route 330 may need to be closed on short notice. Updates will be provided on official closure, should it be required.

NL511 provides up-to-date information on driving conditions, highway cameras, major incidents, current ferry status updates, and weather.

Air Quality
A Special Air Quality Statement has been issued for Musgrave Harbour and vicinity (Latest Special Air Quality Statement: NL Weather Alerts).

Air quality in Gander is considered “moderate risk” based on local particulate matter measurements.

The Air Quality Health Index for Grand Falls-Windsor is forecasted as “low risk” for Sunday night and Monday.

Forest fires can increase air pollution levels. Forest fire smoke contains particles and pollutants that can harm your health. For air quality information, visit Air Quality Health Index and AQmap.

Mental Health
An emergency event can lead to fear and anxiety. Mental health resources and supports are on hand at the Steele Memorial 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 feeling anxious and alone, you can also call the Lifewise Provincial Warm Line at 1-855-753-2560 seven days a week from 10:00am to midnight NDT, to speak with a trained peer support worker who is there and ready to listen.

You can also visit Bridge the Gapp to access age-appropriate programs and services that are available locally, confidential and free.

Fire Ban
All residents of the province are reminded that a fire ban is in effect across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Open fires are not permitted. To report a wildfire, call: 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).

Use of Drones
The operation of drones in the vicinity of forest fires creates unsafe conditions for water bombers to protect communities.

All drone operators and the public are asked to respect the dedicated efforts of our province’s firefighting personnel. Unauthorized drone use can result in fines and legal action.

For information about flying your drone safely and legally please visit the Transport Canada website here.

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2025 07 20
6:50 pm