For the most up to date information on the wildfires, visit www.gov.nl.ca/alerts and follow the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on Facebook and on X.

Regional State of Emergency

A regional state of emergency has been declared by the Minister of Justice and Public Safety for:

• A portion of the Bay de Verde Peninsula, from Bristol’s Hope to Whiteway (the communities in the entirety of the Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde electoral district).
• Town of Conception Bay South.
• Town of Paradise.
• The areas known as Southlands and Galway, within the City of St. John’s.

This regional state of emergency is due to out-of-control wildfires.

By declaring a regional state of emergency, the Provincial Government can coordinate the activities of all provincial and municipal services in the area and engage personnel as required.

Current Evacuation Orders

• Town of Small Point–Adam’s Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove
• Town of Salmon Cove
• Unincorporated area of Western Bay
• Unincorporated area of Kingston
• Unincorporated area of Perry’s Cove
• Unincorporated area of Ochre Pit Cove
• Unincorporated area of Burnt Point-Gull Island-Northern Bay
• Paddy’s Pond Industrial Area, including Akita Equipment and surrounding buildings, hangers, Cochrane Pond Family Campground, Country Ribbon Chicken Farm, Sod Farm and the Forestry Depot.
• Portion of the Town of Paradise – ALL properties adjacent to Three Island Pond, including Three Island Pond Road to the intersection of Buckingham Drive, Ellington Close, Angels Road, Hansen Place, Vanellen Place, Dawe Road, Balsamwood Road, Stokes Road and Shalloway Place.

Current Evacuation Alerts

• Areas known as Southlands and Galway, within the City of St. John’s.
• Town of Paradise: the area on the south side of Topsail Road from the Outer Ring Road exit to CBS boundary, with the exception of ALL properties adjacent to Three Island Pond, including Three Island Pond Road to the intersection of Buckingham Drive, Ellington Close, Angels Road, Hansen Place, Vanellen Place, Dawe Road, Balsamwood Road, Stokes Road and Shalloway Place (this area was placed under an evacuation order earlier today).
• Town of Conception Bay South: starting at Paradise Outer Ring Road turn-off, on to Route 60 through to Manuels River Bridge, up Peacekeeper’s Way to the cloverleaf on the Trans-Canada Highway and back to the Paradise Trans-Canada Highway turnoff.
• Town of Victoria.

Current Evacuation Advisory

• Cabin owners in the Martin Lake, Great Rattling Brook and Rushy Pond areas off Route 360 (Bay d’Espoir Highway), including all cabins from Rushy Pond to Rifle Lake (approximately 45 kilometres from the Trans-Canada Highway).

Route 360 Closure
Due to increased smoke near Martin Lake, the Bay D’Espoir Highway (Route 360) from the Sunday Pond Resource Road to the Cat Brook turnaround area is closed. The public is asked to stay away from the highway.

Wildfire Information

Kingston
The Kingston wildfire had overnight growth along its northern boundary. The wildfire size is estimated at over 6,500 hectares. Ground crews continue to work the southern edge. A sprinkler line has been set up in the Perry’s Cove area. Air suppression will continue through the day as conditions allow. Construction is still underway on the fuel break at the northern boundary.

Paddy’s Pond
The Paddy’s Pond fire had minimal growth over night, with an estimated size of 300 hectares. Construction of fuel breaks continue at the north, east and west boundaries. Air suppression and ground crews will continue to action the fire. The St. John’s Regional Fire Department is providing ground suppression along the Trans-Canada Highway.

Martin Lake
The wildfire in Martin Lake had significant growth yesterday and overnight. The wildfire is approximately 800 hectares. The wildfire has not crossed Route 360, but has approached to within a few hundred meters, and remains on the east side of Great Rattling River. This morning’s aerial assessment reported that no cabins have been lost. Current weather conditions in the region are contributing to increased fire behaviour. Ground crews, with the help of bucketing helicopters, will focus on structure protection. Aerial suppression will work the northern and eastern edges.

Reception Centre Information

Two reception centres have been setup to assist impacted residents due to wildfires:

• Carbonear Academy, 88 Valley Road in Carbonear.
• Admiral’s Academy, 835 Conception Bay Highway (in Kelligrews).

In addition to an overnight shelter, the reception centres provide three meals per day, showers, as well as other support services to all impacted residents. Regardless of if you are using the reception centres for overnight shelter, all impacted residents are welcome.

All impacted residents are reminded; they MUST register:

• In person at Carbonear Academy, 88 Valley Road or Admiral’s Academy, 835 Conception Bay Highway
• Or by phone at 1-800-863-6582.

Accommodations
While emergency officials, Canadian Red Cross and Salvation Army are working diligently to assist impacted residents, accommodations are limited on the Avalon Peninsula. As a result, some accommodations facilitated by the Canadian Red Cross will be modified. Priority will be given to seniors and persons with disabilities.

If your accommodation is impacted, Canadian Red Cross will contact you directly. For more information, call 1-800-863-6582.

The Provincial Government thanks organizations and community partners assisting residents who are displaced as a result of the wildfire.

If residents take shelter elsewhere, you are still required to register.

Advice for those evacuating with animals

Proactive measures you can take before and during an evacuation:

• Have a means to transport your animals safely and have a place lined up to accept your animals. Acclimatize your animals to transport vehicles beforehand, if possible.
• Keep animals hydrated. Always have fresh water available and add salt or electrolytes to water to encourage drinking.
• Keep animals indoors out of smoke. If the barn is hot, use fans or cold water to keep animals cool.
• Stay calm, be careful, and remember your emergency preparedness plans.

Emergency Financial Assistance
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has announced it will distribute one-time emergency financial assistance of $500 to each household ordered to be evacuated from their primary residence by the province or municipality, due to a wildfire in 2025.

Eligible primary households MUST meet criteria found here to receive the one-time emergency financial assistance. Eligible residents can sign up for this one-time emergency financial assistance: 

• By calling, 1-800-863-6582, between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., seven days a week.
• By visiting, www.redcross.ca/2025NewfoundlandWildfires
• In-person: assistance locations click here.

Health Care
Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services has opened a temporary primary care pop-up clinic at the Carbonear Community Health Services Building, 15a Industrial Crescent, Carbonear.

This clinic will help provide health care to residents in the area during the ongoing wildfire on the Bay de Verde Peninsula, offering in-person care for:

• Treating a cold, flu, or sore throat.
• Managing minor injuries (e.g., sprains, cuts).
• Addressing a urinary tract infection.
• Evaluating and managing a rash or allergic reaction.
• Providing care for a one-time medication refill or urgent symptom.
• Navigating to resources or areas of support.

Walk-in service is available from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Patients can also book an appointment by calling 709-945-6550.

NL Health Services has postponed elective and day surgeries today (Wednesday, August 13) in St. John’s due to the ongoing wildfires due to staffing concerns as a result of evacuation alerts and orders related to the wildfires at:

• Health Sciences Centre
• Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre
• St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital

People with in-person appointments at James Paton Memorial Hospital and Central Newfoundland Regional Hospital affected by the road closure for Route 360 will be contacted by NL Health Services to make alternate arrangements.

For health-related information during this wildfire emergency, visit NL Health Services.

Mental Health
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 experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

Other supports include:

• Doorways walk-in clinics which are available in-person or virtually.
• The Lifewise Warm Line: A non-emergency, non-crisis telephone support and referral service provided by trained peer support workers, available 10 am to 12 midnight daily, by calling 1-855-753-2560.
• First Responder Warm Line: First responders from all disciplines can reach out to the Warm Line, available 12:00 p.m. to midnight, seven days a week by calling 1-709-237-4180.
• Bridge the gapp which can be accessed by visiting nl.bridgethegapp.ca

Air Quality Warnings
Air quality warnings have been issued for St. John’s and vicinity and Avalon Peninsula North.

Special Statements

• Grand Falls – Windsor and vicinity
• Bay of Exploits

Air Quality Status
St. John’s and Vicinity/Avalon Peninsula North

• Air Quality Health Index – 2 (Low Risk), and maximums of 2 (Low Risk), except 10 (High Risk) in smoke through to Thursday night.
• Wind forecast for both areas is west-southwest 30 km/h gusting to 50 km/h.

Grand Falls-Windsor (Martin Lake Area)

• Air Quality Health Index – N/A, predicts maximums of 2 (Low Risk) through to Thursday night.
• Wind forecast is south 30 gusting to 50 km/h today, up to 40 gusting to 60 km/h.

Water
A precautionary non-consumption advisory is currently in place for areas impacted by wildfires only and will be in place until water testing shows satisfactory results.

When deemed safe to do so, water sampling of public systems and private wells in the affected areas will be completed, free of charge, by the Water Resources Management Division, Department of Environment and Climate Change.

Safe alternate sources of water for drinking, cooking and consumption should be used during the advisory. Bottled water or sources known to be safe would be acceptable. Household water can still be used for washing, cleaning, bathing and other household uses.

Questions related to Water Resources can be directed to water@gov.nl.ca.

Heat Warnings
Heat warnings are in effect for several regions of the province.

When extreme heat coincides with wildfire smoke, prioritize keeping cool, because overheating can be more dangerous to your health.

Be Prepared
Residents need to take steps to ensure their own personal safety. Be prepared for at least 72 hours, with a basic emergency kit, including items such as food, water, batteries, a portable radio, important documents and prescription medications.

Protect your own home, neighborhood, and community from the threat of wildfire. Create a defensible space around your property. To learn more, visit FireSmart Canada.

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