Thousands fled their homes as blazes intensified
A regional state of emergency has been declared in parts of Newfoundland and Labrador as fast-moving wildfires force thousands from their homes and strain firefighting resources, provincial officials said.
Premier John Hogan announced the measure Saturday for the Bay de Verde Peninsula, covering communities from Bristol’s Hope to Whiteway, Reuters reported. The decision, he said, “allows our government another tool in our toolbox to help continue our best efforts to keep the community safe.”
Thousands ordered to leave
According to the province, roughly 14,000 residents in towns including Small Point–Adam’s Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove, Western Bay, Salmon Cove, Kingston, Perry’s Cove, Ochre Pit Cove, and Burnt Point–Gull Island–Northern Bay are under mandatory evacuation orders.
Evacuees are being directed along Route 70 to Carbonear, where the Canadian Red Cross is registering displaced residents. Health minister John Haggie announced a $500 payment for affected households and said the government is working with insurers to improve disaster coverage.
Extreme weather intensifies fires
High winds of up to 40 km/h and hot, dry conditions have fuelled the largest blaze, the Kingston fire, which grew from 30 km² Saturday morning to 50 km² by Sunday afternoon, Hogan told The Canadian Press. Ground crews were temporarily pulled back for safety, while four air tankers, five helicopters — including two from the Coast Guard — and more than 50 firefighters continue suppression efforts according to Coast Reporter.
The Martin Lake fire, near the Bay d’Espoir Highway, remains active at 245 hectares but is largely contained with help from Quebec and New Brunswick aircraft.
Damage and arrest efforts
Mayor Curtis Delaney confirmed that nine homes have been destroyed in the Small Point–Adam’s Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove area. Officials suspect arson in some cases. Crime Stoppers has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Despite a province-wide fire ban – with fines starting at $50,000 – there were reports of open fires over the weekend. Fire duty officer Mark Lawlor urged compliance in an interview with CBC, saying, “Our resources are stretched. So if people could obey the ban, it would significantly help us out.”
Lifting of some orders
There was some reprieve Sunday as evacuation orders for Holyrood and Conception Bay South were lifted after crews fully contained a 22-hectare fire in the area. However, officials warned residents to remain cautious, as flare-ups remain a threat.
“This is a devastating time,” forestry minister Lisa Dempster said, adding she has witnessed both “the goodness in humanity” and the spread of harmful misinformation online.
