The Town of Musgrave Harbour issued an evacuation order yesterday (July 20, 2025) due to an out-of-control wildfire. The evacuation order remains in place.
Work is ongoing with federal, municipal and community partners to ensure the health and safety of residents in Musgrave Harbour.
Currently, the wildfire near Musgrave Harbour is about 1,800 hectares and remains approximately two kilometres away from the town. An Incident Management Team has been established to manage this wildfire.
A drop in wind and an increase in humidity has slowed its growth. Officials are expecting precipitation over the next 12-24 hours which should assist with suppression.
Wildfire suppression ground resources and air support are actioning the fire including water bombers, three helicopters, a bird dog aircraft and crews.
At this point in time, the Musgrave Harbour fire is showing minimal movement and unlikely to impact the town today. To date, the fire has not crossed the highway towards Banting Memorial Park.
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. Updates on conditions, resources and assistance will be made available continuously throughout this evolving situation.
For the most up to date information, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/alerts/ and follow the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on Facebook and on X. The latest information on the location, status, and size of
active wildfires can be viewed online at the NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.
Register
A reception centre has been set up at Steele Memorial Centre, 155 Airport Boulevard, in the Town of Gander, for all evacuees.
ALL evacuees MUST register with Canadian Red Cross. Residents can do this two ways:
- Go to the Steele Centre in PERSON, or,
- Call 709-729-0921.
For those that may have made arrangements to take shelter elsewhere, you are still required to register.
The Canadian Red Cross, the Salvation Army and Ground Search and Rescue officials are on-site to assist at Steele Memorial Centre with food, drink and emergency accommodations.
Transportation
RCMP and Ground Search and Rescue are currently stationed at road blocks at the entrance to Aspen Cove and Banting Memorial Park. Route 330 is closed between the road to Aspen Cove and ‘A Days Getaway RV Park’ due to the wildfire in Musgrave Harbour. The public is asked to avoid the area.
NL511 provides up-to-date information on driving conditions, highway cameras, major incidents, current ferry status updates, and weather.
Air Quality
A Special Air Quality Statement has been issued for Musgrave Harbour and vicinity (Latest Special Air Quality Statement: NL weather alerts).
Air quality in Gander is considered “low risk” based on local particulate matter measurements.
The Air Quality Health Index for Grand Falls-Windsor is forecasted as “low risk” for Monday and Tuesday (Newfoundland and Labrador – Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) – Environment Canada).
Forest fires can increase air pollution levels. Forest fire smoke contains particles and pollutants that can harm your health. For air quality information, visit AQmap.
Mental Health
An emergency event can lead to fear and anxiety. Mental health resources and supports are on hand at the Steele Memorial Centre.
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 feeling anxious and alone, you can also call the Lifewise Provincial Warm Line at 1-855-753-2560 seven days a week from 10:00am to midnight NDT, 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.
Fire Ban
All residents of the province are reminded that a fire ban is in effect across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Open fires are not permitted. To report a wildfire, call: 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).
Use of Drones
The operation of drones in the vicinity of wildfires 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.
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