The Honourable John Hogan, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, has declared a State of Emergency in the area of Botwood.

Forest fires are causing smoke and deteriorated air quality in this area. This is a precautionary measure, and there is no immediate fire hazard to homes or residents.

As part of this declaration, the Provincial Government continues to work with emergency management partners and others to address the ongoing forest fires in the Central region of the island portion of the province. Officials continue to meet and coordinate the response with the affected communities.

Municipalities in the central region are encouraged to ensure their emergency management plans are up to date.

While Central Health will not undertake measures to evacuate the Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Care Centre at this time, efforts will be supported to move those who require additional care so that they are not in the immediate vicinity of the smoke. For those who have health conditions or sensitivities to poor air quality or other negative effects from the nearby forest fires, more information from the Health Authority is provided here: Central Health operations update. As the fire and smoky conditions continue, residents are encouraged to contact 811 or to see a health care provider if they experience any new or concerning symptoms that they feel could be related to the heat or smoke.

For information on emergency lodging, please contact the Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-222-9597.

Updates on resources and assistance will be made available continuously throughout this evolving situation.

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Media contacts
Emily-Jane Gillingham
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-2634, 730-4607
emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca

Erin Shea
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-729-3733, 725-4321
erinshea@gov.nl.ca

Melony O’Neill
Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 689-0928
melonyoneill@gov.nl.ca