Flames are spreading close to the town of Holyrood, Newfoundland, raising concerns for nearby residents. (Photo: CBC)
People living in several small towns in eastern Newfoundland had to leave their homes on Monday. Two separate wildfires were burning along the shores of Conception Bay.
The government sent out official evacuation orders just before 2 p.m. for the towns of Small Point–Adam’s Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove and Kingston. These communities sit on the western side of the bay.
One of the fires, already 150 hectares in size, came within one kilometre of Kingston. That raised big concerns for people living nearby.
Holyrood Also Affected
Around 4 p.m., officials ordered people in parts of Holyrood to evacuate as well. This town lies about 80 kilometres south of the first fire zone. A section of the Conception Bay Highway had to close.
Later in the evening, more areas came under evacuation. Residents in Western Bay had to leave immediately. Ochre Pit Cove received an alert, warning people to get ready in case the fire got worse.
Fire Crews and Water Bombers Deployed
The Forestry Department said that water bombers and ground teams were already working to stop the flames. They are doing everything possible to protect homes and stop the fires from spreading further.
To help those forced to leave, officials have opened reception centres where evacuees can find safety and support.
Town Declares Emergency
Earlier in the day, the town of Small Point–Broad Cove–Blackhead–Adam’s Cove declared a state of emergency. The fire there had become a serious threat. The local council issued a mandatory order for everyone to evacuate.
This is not the first time the area has faced danger this year. Back in May, wildfires in Conception Bay North destroyed 12 homes and over 40 other buildings. People had to evacuate then too.
No Rain in Sight
The weather is not helping. Forecasters expect sunny skies this week, with temperatures climbing from 23°C to 29°C by Friday. No rain is expected for days, which could make the fires even harder to fight.
In July, a wildfire near Musgrave Harbour forced nearly 1,000 people to leave. That fire happened during a stretch of hot and dry weather. Other fires last month destroyed cabins near Chance Harbour.
Fire Risk Still High
According to a national fire danger map, the Avalon Peninsula—where these fires are burning—is at “extreme risk” for wildfires. That risk level remains high for much of Newfoundland and parts of southeastern Labrador.
Many parts of the island show “extreme” fire hazard warnings on the province’s official map, showing just how dangerous the current situation is.
