A new wildfire is rapidly growing at Thomas Pond near Paddy\u2019s Pond. The province has issued an evacuation order for businesses in the industrial area across from Akita.<\/p>\n
The RCMP say the Trans-Canada Highway is currently closed between the cloverleaf (Pitts Memorial Drive\/Outer Ring Road) and Exit 39 (Foxtrap Access Road), as emergency crews respond to a wildfire near Paddy\u2019s Pond. Drivers are asked to avoid the area and delay any non-essential travel on the Trans-Canada Highway.<\/p>\n
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro is monitoring the new fire, which is directly in its transmission corridor. These transmission lines serve the greater St. John\u2019s area and, at this time, there is a potential for smoke, fire and\/or fire suppression efforts to impact these lines. In the unlikely scenario that multiple lines are impacted, this could result in a power outage to St. John\u2019s and surrounding areas. N.L. Hydro says it is working very closely with the Provincial Emergency Operating Centre to coordinate response.<\/p>\n
UPDATE:<\/p>\n
The Trans-Canada Highway is has reopened to traffic. Secondary roads in the Paddy\u2019s Pond evacuation area remain closed. Fowlers Road at Peacekeepers Way is also closed to southbound traffic (towards Paddy\u2019s Pond). Drivers are advised to drive with caution and follow all instructions from police and other emergency services. For your safety and the safety of others, do not stop or exit your vehicle.<\/p>\n