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 remains in place 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).

Revised Current Evacuation Orders

• Town of Small Point–Adam’s Cove–Blackhead–Broad 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 Northern Bay – except for the areas north of Northern Bay Brook Bridge

Revised Current Evacuation Alerts

• Town of Victoria
• Town of Salmon Cove
• Unincorporated area of Burnt Point-Gull Island-Northern Bay – areas north of Northern Bay Brook Bridge

Revised Evacuation Advisory
Forestry officials have re-opened a portion of the resource road at Miguel Lake, located three kilometres from Route 360 (Bay d’Espoir Highway).

PLEASE NOTE: This road is only open to cabin owners located at Miguel Lake. Access to cabins beyond Miguel Lake, as well as cabins in the Martin Lake and Rushy Pond areas, remains closed at this time.

Wildfire Information

Kingston
Crews continue to make steady progress, but the Kingston wildfire remains active and classified as “Out-of-Control.” Persistent smoke and challenging hot spots are reported throughout the area. The wildfire is approximately 10,095 hectares.

A low ceiling and poor visibility grounded water bombers, a bird dog and heavy capacity helicopters this morning. Suppression efforts were provided throughout the day by ground crews and two light capacity helicopters. A dozen ground crew members from Newfoundland and Labrador, 20 from Ontario, and 22 from British Columbia were on site today.

Ground crews began the day actioning the western edge but, due to drizzle and smoky conditions, were reassigned to hot spot suppression in and around community areas. Targeted aerial support was provided by two bucketing helicopters in these areas. Three Canadian Armed Forces platoons and local fire departments remain on site assisting where needed.

Tomorrow’s forecast calls for clear skies, south-west winds and sunshine, favourable conditions for aerial and ground suppression. An additional crew of 20 from British Columbia will be transferred from Martin Lake for support on the Kingston wildfire.

Efforts will remain focused and persistent in the days ahead with air and ground supports maintaining a strong response.

Paddy’s Pond
The Paddy’s Pond wildfire is an estimate 318 hectares in size and classified as “Under Control” which means the wildfire has received sufficient suppression action to ensure there will be no further spread. Two Newfoundland and Labrador firefighters continue to be onsite monitoring the wildfire for any changes.

Martin Lake
The Martin Lake wildfire remains as “Being Held,” which means with the current committed resources and based on prevailing and forecasted conditions, sufficient action has been taken to prevent fire spread beyond existing or predetermined boundaries.

Updated mapping now estimates the size of the wildfire at 1633 hectares.  Ground crews from Newfoundland and Labrador and British Columbia continued their work of cutting danger trees and actioning hot spots. Three bucketing helicopters provided support in persistent areas.

Important Information for Returning Residents of Burnt Point-Gull Island and a Portion of Northern Bay

Welcome Centre
A Welcome Centre has been set up at the AYLA Centre, 2 Critches Road, Lower Island Cove for residents returning home today. The centre will be open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. tomorrow (August 24).

The Salvation Army will be on site with their food truck to provide food and refreshments between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Support persons will be on site to guide and assist returning residents, including mental health supports from NL Health Services.

Masks, gloves and garbage bags will be available at the welcome centre to assist residents with the clean-up of their homes. Information will also be available regarding spoiled food disposal, water safety, etc.

Garbage Disposal/Appliances
Waste disposal bins are located at the entrance of Engine Mill Road, Burnt Point. Residents can dispose of household waste (e.g. spoiled food) at this location.

Items NOT permitted in waste bins:

• Animal carcasses.
• Yard / construction materials.
• Hazardous materials.

Waste disposed of in designated bins will be transported to an appropriate waste disposal location.

If residents want to dispose of any appliances (i.e. fridges, freezers. etc.), they are asked to please drop them to the designated areas near the waste disposal bins. For those that require special assistance, please leave appliances at the end of your property to be collected.

Water
Residents in the area are recommended to not drink, cook, or brush teeth with well water until the well is inspected, disinfected, and tested.

To arrange for well testing, contact the Department of Environment and Climate Change at groundwatersection@gov.nl.ca, 709-729-2539, 709-729-1671 or your nearest Government Service Centre.

Safe alternate sources of water for drinking, cooking and consumption should be used until water testing shows satisfactory results. Bottled water or sources known to be safe would be acceptable. Household water can still be used for washing, cleaning, and other household uses. Alternate water sources should be used for bathing or showering if the water has an odd appearance or odour.

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

Other Important Information
Please visit: www.gov.nl.ca/alerts for more information on the following:

• Education
• Reception centre information
• Emergency financial assistance
• Health care, mental health
• Air quality
• Water quality
• Off-road vehicles

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