The following information is for those residents from Burnt Point-Gull Island and a portion of Northern Bay who were under the evacuation order that was lifted on August 23, 2025.

Welcome Centre
The Welcome Centre at the AYLA Centre, 2 Critches Road, Lower Island Cove, will close effective 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 27.

The Salvation Army Mobile Unit will be at the centre and remain in the area following the closure to distribute water to residents. Signage will be posted on the facility doors regarding the closure.

Garbage Disposal/Appliances
Waste disposal bins located at the entrance of Engine Mill Road, Burnt Point, will be removed as of 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 27. Residents can dispose of household waste (e.g., spoiled food) at this location until that time.

Regular garbage collection will then resume.

Items NOT permitted in waste bins:

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

Waste disposed of in designated bins will be transported to an appropriate waste disposal location. Residents requiring assistance transporting waste to bins should call 709-729-0921.

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.

Appliances will be collected up to 5:00 p.m. tomorrow.

Water Testing
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. After 5:00 p.m. tomorrow, residents can pick up kits at the Splash Centre, 30 A Cathedral St, Harbour Grace.

Bacteriological Water Test Kit (samples in clear bag) 

• Completed kits must bedropped off on the same day as collection.
• Kits can be returned to either the AYLA Centre by 2:00 p.m. tomorrow (August 27) 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.

Chemical Test Kit (samples in white bubble envelope) 

• Completed kits can be returned anytime at the AYLA Centre until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 27 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.

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

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