The Provincial Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is closely monitoring a wildfire in located at Pamehac Brook North, south of the Town of Badger.

The Town of Badger has issued an Evacuation Alert. Residents are advised to make preparations for possible evacuation, in case the fire spreads towards the town and evacuation is required on short notice.

Currently, the fire is approximately 380 hectares and is approximately 4 kilometres away from the Town of Badger.

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture have wildfire suppression ground resources and air support actioning the fire. Two waterbombers have been dispatched.

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.

NL Hydro has advised the reduction of amount of energy being transmitting over the Labrador-Island Link Transmission Line to minimize impacts to customers.

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

Fire Ban
A province-wide fire ban is effective immediately.

A province-wide outdoor fire ban prohibiting setting of fires on forest land or within 300 metres of forest land is now in effect in Newfoundland and Labrador. The ban is authorized under the authority of section 99 of the Forestry Act.

The Fire Commissioner of Newfoundland and Labrador strongly recommends that municipalities, organizations and individuals refrain from any open fires or discharge of fireworks.

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 general 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.

Be Prepared
Residents are asked to take steps to ensure their own personal safety. Residents should always have a basic emergency kit available and be prepared for at least 72 hours, with food, water, batteries, a portable radio, important documents and prescription medications. Visit gov.nl.ca/beprepared for more information on emergency preparedness.

Property owners can also protect their homes, neighborhoods, and communities from the threat of wildland fire by creating defensible space around their properties, including:

• Maintaining a five-foot (1.5-metre) non-combustible zone immediately around your home.
• Cleaning out and screening gutters to prevent debris.
• Using fire-resistant roofing materials on homes.
• Cleaning underneath decks and enclosing them to prevent them from filling with debris.
• Placing firewood piles away from your home.
• Trimming grass and weeds.
• Using FireSmart-approved vegetation when landscaping.

To learn more about protecting homes and properties, visit FireSmart Canada

For air quality information, visit Air Quality Health Index

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

Mental health resources are available: call 811 or visit www.nl.bridgethegapp.ca

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