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.

Regional State of Emergency
A regional state of emergency has been declared by the Minister of Justice and Public Safety for:

A portion of the Bay de Verde Peninsula, from Bristol’s Hope to Whiteway (the communities in the entirety of the Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde electoral district).
Town of Conception Bay South.
Town of Paradise.
The areas known as Southlands and Galway, within the City of St. John’s.

This regional state of emergency is due to out-of-control wildfires.

By declaring a regional state of emergency, the Provincial Government can coordinate the activities of all provincial and municipal services in the area and engage personnel as required.

Current Evacuation Orders

Town of Small Point–Adam’s Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove
Town of Salmon Cove
Unincorporated area of Western Bay
Unincorporated area of Kingston
Unincorporated area of Perry’s Cove
Unincorporated area of Ochre Pit Cove
Unincorporated area of Burnt Point-Gull Island-Northern Bay
Paddy’s Pond Industrial Area, including Akita Equipment and surrounding buildings hangers, Cochrane Pond Family Campground, Country Ribbon Chicken Farm, Sod Farm and the Forestry Depot.
Portion of the Town of Paradise – ALL properties adjacent to Three Island Pond, including Three Island Pond Road to the intersection of Buckingham Drive, Ellington Close, Angels Road, Hansen Place, Vanellen Place, Dawe Road, Balsamwood Road, Stokes Road and Shalloway Place.

Current Evacuation Alerts

Areas known as Southlands and Galway, within the City of St. John’s.
Town of Paradise: the area on the south side of Topsail Road from the Outer Ring Road exit to CBS boundary, with the exception of ALL properties adjacent to Three Island Pond, including Three Island Pond Road to the intersection of Buckingham Drive, Ellington Close, Angels Road, Hansen Place, Vanellen Place, Dawe Road, Balsamwood Road, Stokes Road and Shalloway Place (this area was placed under an evacuation order earlier today).
Town of Conception Bay South: starting at Paradise Outer Ring Road turn-off, on to Route 60 through to Manuels River Bridge, up Peacekeeper’s Way to the cloverleaf on the Trans-Canada Highway and back to the Paradise Trans-Canada Highway turnoff.
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).

Route 360 Closure
Due to increased smoke near Martin Lake, the Bay D’Espoir Highway (Route 360) from the Sunday Pond Resource Road to the Cat Brook turnaround area is closed. The public is asked to stay away from the highway.

Wildfire Information

Kingston
The Kingston wildfire experienced some growth on the northern boundary as high temperatures and wind continue to create extreme fire behaviour. Construction of fuel breaks in the north progressed greatly today thanks to efforts from those in the community. Ground crews continued to work the southern edge, with air support.

The Incident Management Team will assess the fire behaviour tomorrow morning and make a plan of action that includes air and ground support.

Paddy’s Pond
The Paddy’s Pond wildfire remains very hot and smoky. Air suppression efforts on the north and south helped slow the growth. Ground crews were pulled from the southern edge throughout the day due to extreme fire behaviour. The wildfire is approximately 250 meters from the Trans-Canada Highway. The wildfire grew on the northern edge, resulting in the evacuation of the Three Island Pond Area of Paradise. It is currently located in the Fowlers Road area.

The Incident Management Team will assess the location and construction of fuel breaks in the morning. Tomorrow’s plan for air support, ground crews, and the St. John’s Regional Fire Department remains similar to today’s approach.

Martin Lake
In Martin Lake, the wildfire was very active this afternoon and had growth along the southern and northern edges. Air and ground crews will be back in the area tomorrow to continue their suppression efforts. Smoke from this fire has resulted in the closure of Route 360. The fire is currently about 700 metres from the highway.

Other Wildfires Reported Today
Crews also responded to a fire in Spaniard’s Bay and another in Harbour Main. Quick response allowed for containment, and they will be monitored through the evening.

Reports of a fire near Peak Pond proved to be dust from heavy equipment working in the area.

Reception Centre information
Two reception centres have been set up to assist impacted residents due to wildfires:

Carbonear Academy, 88 Valley Road in Carbonear.
Admiral’s Academy, 835 Conception Bay Highway (in Kelligrews).

In addition to an overnight shelter, the reception centres provide three meals per day, showers, as well as other support services to all impacted residents. Regardless if you are using the reception centres for overnight shelter, all impacted residents are welcome.

All impacted residents are reminded; they MUST register:

In person at Carbonear Academy, 88 Valley Road or Admiral’s Academy, 835 Conception Bay Highway
Or by phone at 1-800-863-6582.

Accommodations
While emergency officials, Canadian Red Cross and Salvation Army are working diligently to assist impacted residents, accommodations are 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 1-800-863-6582.

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

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

Emergency Financial Assistance
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has announced it will distribute one-time emergency financial assistance of $500 to each household ordered to be evacuated from their primary residence by the province or municipality, due to a wildfire in 2025.

Eligible primary households MUST meet criteria found here in order to receive the one-time emergency financial assistance.

Eligible residents can sign up for this one-time emergency financial assistance in THREE ways:

Health care
Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services has opened a temporary primary care pop-up clinic at the Carbonear Community Health Services Building, 15a Industrial Crescent, Carbonear.

This clinic will help provide health care to residents in the area during the ongoing wildfire on the Bay de Verde Peninsula, offering in-person care for:

Treating a cold, flu, or sore throat.
Managing minor injuries (e.g., sprains, cuts).
Addressing a urinary tract infection.
Evaluating and managing a rash or allergic reaction.
Providing care for a one-time medication refill or urgent symptom.
Navigating to resources or areas of support.

Walk-in service is available from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Patients can also book an appointment by calling 709-945-6550.

Mental Health
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, call 911 immediately.

Other supports include:

Doorways walk-in clinics, which are available in-person or virtually.
The Lifewise Warm Line: A non-emergency, non-crisis telephone support and referral service provided by trained peer support workers, available 10 am to midnight daily, by calling 1-855-753-2560.
First Responder Warm Line: First responders from all disciplines can reach out to the Warm Line, available from 12:00 p.m. to midnight, seven days a week by calling 1-709-237-4180.
Bridge the gapp which can be accessed by visiting nl.bridgethegapp.ca

Air Quality Warnings
Air quality warnings have been issued for St. John’s and vicinity and Avalon Peninsula North.

Air Quality Status
St. John’s and Vicinity/Avalon Peninsula North

Air Quality Health Index – 10+ (Very High Risk), and maximums of 2 (Low Risk), except 10 (High Risk) in smoke through to Thursday.
Wind forecast for both areas is southwest 30 km/h gusting to 50 km/h, diminishing to 20 km/h gusting 40 km/h this evening.

Grand Falls-Windsor (Martin Lake Area)

Air Quality Health Index – 3 (Low Risk), predicts maximums of 2 (Low Risk) through to Thursday.
Wind forecast is southwest 20 km/h.

Water
A precautionary non-consumption advisory is currently in place for all communities impacted by wildfire, and will be in place until water testing shows satisfactory results.

When deemed safe to do so, water sampling of public systems and private wells in the affected areas will be completed, free of charge, by the Water Resources Management Division, Department of Environment and Climate Change.

Safe alternate sources of water for drinking, cooking and consumption should be used during the advisory. Bottled water or sources known to be safe would be acceptable. Household water can still be used for washing, cleaning, bathing and other household uses. Questions related to Water Resources can be directed to water@gov.nl.ca.

Heat Warnings
Heat warnings are in effect for several regions of the province.

When extreme heat coincides with wildfire smoke, prioritize keeping cool, because overheating can be more dangerous to your health.

Be Prepared
Residents need to take steps to ensure their own personal safety. Be prepared for at least 72 hours, with a basic emergency kit, including items such as food, water, batteries, a portable radio, important documents and prescription medications.

Protect your own home, neighborhood, and community from the threat of wildfire. Create a defensible space around your property. To learn more, visit FireSmart Canada.

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2025 08 12
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