The Provincial Government is advising residents of the unincorporated area of Kingston and the Town of Small Point-Broad Cove-Blackhead-Adam’s Cove, that the evacuation order issued on Tuesday, August 4, 2025, has been lifted effective immediately. These communities remain under an evacuation alert.

All residents are permitted to return to these communities.

Non-residents are asked to please stay out of the affected communities. It is essential to respect the privacy of evacuated residents and allow them the necessary time and space to return to their properties safely.

While it has been deemed safe to return, residents are reminded that there is still an active wildfire and there may be fire crews and associated equipment on scene working any hot spot areas. There may also be debris throughout the community. Residents can expect to continue to see some smoke and action by aircraft. Residents who see smoke should call 911. Residents are asked to proceed with caution and to seek guidance from first responders and the Canadian Red Cross, where needed.

Route 70 has reopened from Perry’s Cove to Adams Cove with the lifting of the evacuation order.  Route 70 remains closed from Western Bay to Northern Bay Brook Bridge, in Northern Bay.  Motorists are advised to use Route 74 and Route 80 to access areas outside the evacuation area.

Important Information for Returning Residents

Comfort Centre
A Comfort Centre has been set up at the Salem Centre, Small Point, for residents returning to their communities. Representatives of the Town of Small Point-Broad Cove-Blackhead-Adam’s Cove, the Canadian Red Cross, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing, mental health professionals, environmental health officers, motor registration staff, and Team Rubicon will be onsite to provide assistance to returning residents.

The Comfort Centre will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Salvation Army will be on site with their food truck to provide water and food.

Clean-up kits will be available for residents who need them. The kits contain: gloves, garbage bags, cleaning wipes, cleaners, masks, mop, bucket, etc.

The following communications materials will also be available at the Comfort Centre:

• Returning Home Safely After a Wildfire, a detailed guide for residents returning to their homes after being evacuated due to a wildfire.
• A one-pager on detailed insurance information.
• A detailed household inventory/checklist, developed by the Canadian Red Cross.
• A one-pager with important contact information.

Power Outages
While power has been restored to most homes in the area, there are homes without power. If you return to your property and there is no power, please see someone at the Comfort Centre to assist you.

Food Services
As local grocery stores may not be open when you return from evacuation, residents are encouraged to shop for essential food and supplies before heading back. There will be a Salvation Army food truck at the Comfort Centre.

Communications
Landlines and internet access have been impacted due to the wildfire. Damage assessments are ongoing and complete restoration will take some time.

A “COW” (Cell on Wheels) will be put in place by Bell Communications, to enhance cellular services. A Starlink Satellite Service System is also in place at the Comfort Centre.

RCMP and ground search and rescue volunteers will be driving through the communities, 24/7 for anyone that may require assistance.

Transportation Support
Residents who require transportation back to Kingston or Small Point-Broad Cove-Blackhead-Adam’s Cove should call 709-729-0921. Buses will be available starting at 2:00p.m. The last bus will be leaving at 6:00p.m. Pets will be required to be in a carrier/crate.

Garbage Disposal/Appliances
Waste-disposal bins are located in Small Point-Broad Cove-Blackhead-Adam’s Cove at:

• Broad Cove Church
• Broad Cove Beach
• Old Highway, Small Point
• Birch Hill Road, Small Point
• Main Highway, Blackhead
• Municipal Depot, Adam’s Cove

In Kingston, the waste disposal bins will be located on Marsh Road.

Residents can dispose of household waste (e.g. spoiled food) at these locations.

Items NOT permitted in waste bins:

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

Waste disposed in designated bins will be transported to an appropriate waste disposal location. Residents requiring assistance transporting waste to bins should call 709-729-0921. The line will be answered from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., daily.

There are drop off areas next to the waste disposal bins for spoiled appliances (fridges, freezers, etc.). Spoiled appliances MUST be emptied of all contents prior to drop-off at the disposal site. Appliances with contents will NOT be accepted.

Residents who are unable to arrange transport of appliances to the disposal bin area are asked to leave them at the entrance to their property to be collected. Assistance moving appliances out of homes if required, can be arranged by calling 709-729-0921.

Water Information

Non-Consumption Order
A Non-Consumption Advisory has been issued for all public drinking water systems in the Town of Small Point-Broad Cove-Blackhead-Adam’s Cove including the following systems:

• #1 Well – Reg Bursey Well
• #4 Well – Leonard King Well
• #6 Well – Herb Trickett Well
• #8 Well – Effie Flight Wells
• #9 Well – Walter Reynolds Well
• #10 Well – Cantwood Hill Well

Water Testing for Private Wells
Residents with private wells in areas affected by wildfire or fire suppressants are asked NOT to drink, cook, or brush teeth with well water until the well is inspected, disinfected, and tested. Chemical and bacterial testing is recommended.

Chemical Testing
For residents in Perry’s Cove, Kingston, Small Point-Broad Cove- Blackhead-Adam’s Cove, Western Bay, Ochre Pit Cove, and Northern Bay (south of Northern Bay Brook Bridge), enhanced chemical water sampling of private wells will be conducted by the Water Resources Management Division, Department of Environment and Climate Change.

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

For residents in Burnt Point, Gull Island, Salmon Cove, or Northern Bay (north of Northern Bay Brook Bridge) private chemical well testing kits (bottles in white bubble envelope) can be picked up and dropped off during the Labour Day weekend at the Splash Centre in Harbour Grace until 4:00 p.m. Monday. Otherwise, kits can be picked up and dropped off at the Bay Roberts Government Service Centre during regular business hours. Instructions are included in the kits.

Bacteriological testing
Bacteriological Water Test Kits (bottle in clear bag) can be picked up and dropped off during the Labour Day weekend at the Splash Centre in Harbour Grace until 4:00 p.m. Monday. Otherwise, kits can be picked up and dropped off at the Bay Roberts Government Service Centre, Monday through Wednesday, during regular business hours. Instructions are included in the kits.

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.

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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