An immediate evacuation order has been issued for the Town of Western Bay stemming from extreme wildfire behaviour in the area.

An evacuation alert has also been issued for the residents in the unincorporated area of Ochre Pit Cove. Residents are advised to be prepared to evacuate the community on short notice.

Evacuees are advised to head NORTH on route 70 and to register with the Canadian Red Cross at the reception centre at Persalvic School Complex in Victoria, or by calling 709-729-0921.

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.

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

The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre is at Level 2 and is actively coordinating emergency response. Emergency management partners have been engaged to respond, where necessary.

The latest information on the location, status, and size of active wildfires can be viewed online at the NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.

Fire Hazard Rating
Fire Hazard Rating is HIGH, VERY HIGH or EXTREME in several areas.

Outdoor fires are BANNED where the rating is VERY HIGH or EXTREME.

Permits to Burn are CANCELLED where the rating is HIGH, VERY HIGH or EXTREME.

To report a wildfire, call: 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).

Mental Health
An emergency event can lead to fear and anxiety. Mental health resources and supports are on hand at the Persalvic School Complex reception 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 10:00 a.m. 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.