The following is updated information for those residents from communities who were impacted by the Kingston wildfire.

Comfort Centre
A Comfort Centre remains open 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 and Team Rubicon are all on-site to help returning residents.

The Comfort Centre is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Effective Thursday, September 4, the Centre hours will adjust to 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Salvation Army is on-site providing grab-and-go meals for the public today (Tuesday, September 2) and tomorrow (September 3), from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Clean-up kits are available at the Comfort Centre for residents who need them. The kits contain: gloves, garbage bags, cleaning wipes, cleaners, masks, mop, bucket, etc.

Bottled water can also be picked up at the Comfort Centre.

The following information is 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.

Email
For anyone with general inquires about the Conception Bay Wildfires, please email: CBNWildfireRecovery@gov.nl.ca

Health Services
Any necessary health services required for residents, are available at the clinic in Western Bay, effective tomorrow (Wednesday, September 3).

NL Housing
Temporary housing assistance is available to households whose primary residence of the Conception Bay North region is uninhabitable and uninsured. Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation will assist households to find accommodations. Eligible households should contact 1-855-724-3391 or WildFireResponse@nlhc.nl.ca.

Garbage Disposal
The waste bins in the Town of Small Point-Broad Cove-Blackhead- Adam’s Cove, will be removed as they are filled.

All other waste disposal bins located in various communities throughout the region will be available until 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 3. All waste bins will be removed after this time. Regular scheduled garbage collection will resume.

Residents can dispose of household waste (e.g. spoiled food) in these bins.

Residents are reminded the following Items are 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, 12:00 p.m., tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 3).

Appliance Disposal
In addition, 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, by no later than 12:00 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, September 3).

Water Testing/Water Testing Kits
Residents are reminded that in all areas affected by wildfire or fire suppressants, the water should not be used for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth. Private well water and or public systems, require inspection, disinfecting, and testing.

Required enhanced chemical water testing continues throughout the communities. The Water Resources Management Division is completing this testing.

Residents in Burnt Point, Gull Island, and Salmon Cove, should use private well water testing kits (chemical or bacteriological), which are available at the Comfort Centre (Salem Centre in Small Point), for pick up and drop off. They are also available at the Bay Roberts 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 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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