A water bomber aircraft douses a wildfire close to homes near Western Bay, N.L., in this Wednesday, May 7, 2025, handout photo. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Eugene Howell)
A wildfire in eastern Newfoundland forced residents from two small communities to evacuate on Thursday. The fire, which started in Adam's Cove, quickly spread, causing extensive damage to homes and other buildings along the shore of Conception Bay. The blaze was reported about 45 kilometers northwest of St. John’s.
Flames Spread Quickly, Leaving Destruction Behind in Newfoundland
The fire, which began on Wednesday, tore through Adam's Cove and by Thursday afternoon, over 20 structures were affected. High winds and dry conditions fueled the flames, making it difficult for firefighters to contain the fire.
By the time of the evacuation, many residents had already sought refuge at a community center in Small Point, N.L. Around 50 evacuees were sheltering there, anxiously awaiting news about their homes. Marie Kennell, a volunteer at the center, expressed the uncertainty and fear many were facing. “There are people here today who don’t know if their homes are still standing,” she said, offering food and support to those displaced by the fire.
Volunteers Stand Strong Amidst Chaos
Joan Dwyer, another volunteer, was equally shaken. “It’s scary, it’s unreal,” she said, reflecting on the devastation caused by the wildfire.
The Adam’s Cove fire was one of six blazes that broke out in eastern Newfoundland on Wednesday. By Thursday afternoon, the fire had grown to about five square kilometers but was being “held,” meaning it was unlikely to spread further. Jeff Motty, supervisor of forest protection with the Newfoundland and Labrador government, provided reassurance that firefighters were working hard to contain it.
State of Emergency Declared as Evacuation Continues
A state of emergency was declared in Adam’s Cove, prompting evacuation orders for residents in the town and nearby Western Bay. The RCMP closed off a section of the highway to keep people safe from the flames.
The affected areas are home to small communities with picturesque coastal views. Western Bay has a population of about 225, while the combined town of Small Point-Adam's Cove-Blackhead-Broad Cove is home to roughly 415 residents. Despite the destruction, residents remained hopeful.
Community Comes Together in the Face of Crisis
Curtis Delaney, the mayor of the affected town, said it was still too early to know when displaced residents could return. On Thursday morning, about 150 evacuees attended a community breakfast at the town hall. Tables were filled with essentials like water, juice, and snacks, as well as diapers and toiletries. Gerry Rogers, a resident who was forced to leave her home, said she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. Her phone had been flooded with messages from people across the country trying to locate their loved ones.
Rogers shared her emotional experience of watching the fire approach her home. “To be somewhere with a raging fire – and you’re surrounded by water – it’s so ironic,” she said, visibly shaken by the sight of the flames from her window.
Firefighting Efforts Continue, Cause Still Under Investigation
Jeff Motty mentioned that water bombers had been deployed on Wednesday and Thursday to help control the fire. Crews remained on-site to extinguish hot spots and assess the damage. The cause of the fire was still under investigation. For now, the focus is on containing the blaze and ensuring the safety of residents in the area.
