Forecast

Wildfire Update: Progress but Challenges Remain — August 16, 2025

By Eddie Sheerr·August 16, 2025 · 11:06 AM

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, Newfoundland and Labrador, provided a new update this morning on the province’s major wildfires on their Facebook page. While no overnight growth was reported on the Kingston, Paddy’s Pond, or Martin Lake fires, smoke and weather conditions continue to play a big role in suppression efforts.

Kingston Fire

The province confirmed that the Kingston wildfire held steady overnight. “The Incident Management Team has a clear plan in place with built in contingencies for today depending on the weather conditions,” government officials said.

Northerly winds have helped clear out some of the smoke today, which has allowed ground crews to begin work on the northern edge of the fire. The Canadian Armed Forces and volunteer fire departments remain on the ground, focusing on scanning for hot spots and providing structure protection in threatened areas.

Air support is back in action after a slow start: water bombers were delayed leaving St. John’s early this morning due to a low ceiling, but officials say they’ll be in Kingston by mid-morning and will steadily work the fire from the air. Small and heavy-capacity helicopters will also bucket water throughout the day.

Meanwhile, the RCMP and local municipalities are continuing to assess damages and losses. Impacted residents will be advised as more information becomes available.

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Paddy’s Pond Fire

No growth was reported overnight at Paddy’s Pond, though the fire remains very smoky. The Canadian Armed Forces and wildland fire crews will continue building fuel breaks today and suppressing hot spots. Helicopters with buckets are expected to provide air support as conditions allow.

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Martin Lake Fire

At Martin Lake, officials say the fire also did not grow overnight. The area is still blanketed in heavy smoke. Today, ground crews are working in the cabin areas around Rushy Pond and Martin Lake.

Like Kingston, a low ceiling caused delays in getting aircraft into the area this morning. Once conditions improve, water bombers, 802 aircraft, and bucketing helicopters will begin aerial suppression efforts.

Route 360 (Bay d’Espoir Highway

There is some good news on access: Route 360 reopened this morning on a temporary basis, though officials note it will continue to be assessed throughout the day depending on fire conditions.

For the most up-to-date information, residents are advised to check www.gov.nl.ca/alerts. The province also provides a live Active Wildfire Dashboard where the status, size, and location of wildfires are updated regularly.