As of 1:00 p.m., Thursday, May 8, two wildfires are being closely monitored in the province. The Provincial Government is working with its federal, municipal and community partners, to ensure the health and safety of residents.

• Near Adam’s Cove, north of Carbonear

• • Crews continue to be deployed to help in ground suppression efforts.
  • A State of Emergency has been declared by the community of Adam’s Cove, and a portion of the town has been evacuated. The evacuation order is in effect for the area of Adam’s Cove, located north of Black Head Brook. An evacuation is advised for the area south of River Loop Road in Western Bay.
  • While this wildfire is approximately 600 hectares in size, weather is deemed favourable for fire suppression.
  • More than 20 structures (houses and garages) impacted by the wildfire, as well as damage to a warehouse containing Recreational Vehicles. The extent of structure damages is unknown.
  • For those in need of assistance, please call 709-729-0921.

• Near Holyrood, one km from Butterpot Park
  • At this time, there are no immediate threats to infrastructure or the community.
  • Fire suppression crews actioning on-site.
  • Weather continues to look favourable for fire suppression.
• Fires located in the vicinity of Badger and Fermeuse are listed as under control.

Residents are asked to avoid these areas. Updates on conditions, resources and assistance will be made available continuously throughout this evolving situation.

For the most up to date information, please visit the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s website www.gov.nl.ca, and social media channels on Facebook and on X, formerly Twitter.

Provincial fire hazard index maps are updated daily and can be viewed at the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website, along with information about campfires. To report a wildfire, call: 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).

Fire Safety
While there is no province-wide fire ban currently in place, the Fire Commissioner of Newfoundland and Labrador strongly recommends that municipalities, organizations and individuals refrain from any open fires or discharge of fireworks, given the current impacted communities and the early start of the wildfire season.

Air Quality
The Air Quality Health Index in the province is currently at low risk. This is expected to remain low over the current forecast period, which extends until Friday night. Residents can check air quality in their region by consulting the Air Quality Health Index on the Government of Canada website. Regional based weather alerts relating to air quality are issued by Environment Canada.

Transportation
The North Shore Highway (Route 70) from Western Bay to Broad Cove is closed and the public is asked to stay away from the highway.

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

Shelter
For those impacted by the State of Emergency, reception centres have been established at the following locations:

• AYLA in Lower Island Cove.
• Persalvic Elementary in Victoria.
• Salem Community Hall in Small Point.
• Cabot Academy in Western Bay.

For those with pets, Baccalieu Trail SPCA is located in Spaniard’s Bay.

Health Services
Officials in the Department of Health and Community Services and Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services are closely monitoring the fires.

Due to the fire’s proximity and direction, the ambulance base in the Adam’s Cove region has been evacuated as a precaution. Ambulance personnel and vehicles have been relocated north of the road closure at the Old Perlican base location and continues to maintain service continuity.

Mental Health
If you are experiencing fear, anxiety or a mental health crisis and need support or 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 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. AST and 10:00 a.m. – midnight NST, 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. 

Be Prepared
Emergencies can happen at any time and without warning. All households should have an emergency plan and kit ready. Municipalities, local service districts, power utilities and health authorities have emergency and contingency plans that are activated when the need arises. Detailed emergency preparedness advice, including a downloadable emergency kit checklist, is available at www.gov.nl.ca/beprepared.

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