Public Advisory: Updates on Wildfires

  • Justice and Public Safety

August 25, 2025

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 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
  • Unincorporated area of Perry’s Cove

Revised Evacuation Advisory
Forest resource roads previously closed in the Martin Lake area due to wildfire will re-open tomorrow (Tuesday, August 26) at 8:00 a.m. This includes access to Martin Lake, Miguel Lake, Great Rattling Brook and Rushy Pond.

Wildfire Information

Kingston
The Kingston wildfire remained smoky today with some activity reported on the western edge. Ground crews, including 12 wildland firefighters from Newfoundland and Labrador, 20 from Ontario, and 42 from British Columbia, continued digging into persistent hot spots throughout the day, assisted by heavy-capacity helicopters. Due to conditions, some ground crews had to be removed temporarily. Forecasted fog and rain will likely limit aerial activity on the fire tomorrow.

While portions of the fire have been contained, some areas remain quite active and the wildfire is still classified as “Out of Control” despite the ongoing decline in overall fire activity and intensity. Residents should expect to see smoke in some areas. The wildfire is estimated at 10,095 hectares in size.

Paddy’s Pond
The Paddy’s Pond wildfire, currently estimated at 318 hectares, remains “Under Control.” This means the wildfire has received sufficient suppression action to ensure there will be no further spread. Local crews will remain on site to monitor for any changes in the fire behaviour.

Martin Lake
The Martin Lake wildfire is an estimated 1,633 hectares and is classified as “Under Control.” Ground crews removed equipment today but will continue working in the area over the coming days with helicopter support to monitor and address hot spots. Cabin owners may occasionally notice smoke in the area in the coming weeks. While this is normal, open flames or thick smoke should be reported immediately.

Reception Centre Change
The reception centre at Carbonear Academy will be transitioning to a new location, Splash Centre, 30A Cathedral Street, Harbour Grace, effective tomorrow (Tuesday, August 26), at 3:00 p.m.

The new reception centre will continue to be staffed by Canadian Red Cross, the Salvation Army, government officials and numerous volunteers. The centre will continue to provide food, refreshments, mental health supports, help with emergency accommodations and other supports to impacted residents who need them.

Water Testing Information
Residents with private wells in the Conception Bay North evacuation area, which are not impacted by fire or fire suppressants (Salmon Cove, Victoria Cove, Gull Island and Burnt Cove), who wish to test their well water, can avail of bacteriological and chemical test kits, free of charge.

These kits are available for pick up at the AYLA Centre, Lower Island Cove, and the Bay Roberts Government Service Centre, 25 Bareneed Road, Coley’s Point South.

Bacteriological Water Test Kit (samples in clear bag) 

  • Completed kits must be returned Tuesday and Wednesday before 2:00 p.m.
  • Water samples must be dropped off at the AYLA Centre or Bay Roberts Government Service Centre on the same day as collection.
  • Instructions are included in the kits.

Chemical Test Kit (samples in white bubble envelope) 

  • Kits will be available tomorrow, Tuesday, August 26.
  • Completed kits can be returned anytime at the AYLA Centre until 5:00 p.m. daily or at the Bay Roberts Government Service Centre, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Instructions are included in the kits.

There will be enhanced chemical water sampling of private wells for areas that are impacted by fire or fire suppressants (Perry’s Cove, Kingston, Small Point-Adams Cove-Blackhead-Broad Cove, Western Bay, Ochre Pit Cove, Northern Bay).

Residents in these areas can arrange for water sampling, free of charge, by contacting the Water Resources Management Division by using the Online Form: www.gov.nl.ca/forms/ecc/private-well-sampling-request/ or calling 709-729-2539 or 709- 729-1671.

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 unusual appearance or odour.

Additional information about the testing of drinking water can be found here.

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
  • Provincial Parks
  • Information for Returning Residents of Perry’s Cove
  • Information for Returning Residents of Burnt Point-Gull Island, Portion of Northern Bay (areas north of Northern Bay Brook Bridge)

-30-

2025 08 25 9:45 pm