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Back to three wildfires and a Heat Warning — August 7, 2025

By Eddie Sheerr·August 7, 2025 · 8:20 PM

Latest Evacuation Alerts and Notices

Current Evacuation Orders and Alerts – August 7, 2025

• Small Point–Adam’s Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove, Kingston, Western Bay, Perry’s Cove
  Evacuation order in effect. Residents must register with the Canadian Red Cross. Reception centre is at Carbonear Academy.

• Salmon Cove
  Immediate evacuation order issued August 7 due to the Kingston wildfire. Residents should travel south on Route 70.

• Ochre Pit Cove
  Immediate evacuation order issued August 7 due to the Kingston wildfire. Residents should travel north.

• Sections of Holyrood
  Evacuation order for part of the town, bounded by Route 60/Conception Bay Highway. Reception centre is Villanova Junior High in Conception Bay South.

• Sections of Conception Bay South
  Partial evacuation order remains in place for areas adjacent to the Holyrood fire.

• Cabin Areas on Route 360 (Bay d’Espoir Highway)
  Immediate evacuation order for cabins in the Martin Lake, Great Rattling Brook, and Rushy Pond areas – extended to Rifle Lake.

• Town of Victoria
  Evacuation alert (prepare to leave). Residents should be ready to evacuate on short notice.

• Other Areas
  Red Harbour and Rushoon have advisories in place asking people to avoid the area. No evacuation orders at this time.

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As of late this afternoon, there are now four active wildfires burning on the Island — though one has now been extinguished.

Red Harbour Fire – Now Out

The newest fire was reported earlier today near Red Harbour on the Burin Peninsula. The Marystown and Baine Harbour Fire Departments, along with Forestry crews, responded quickly. Water bombers were active in the area, scooping from Fresh Pond near Golden Sands RV Park.
As of this evening, the Marystown Volunteer Fire Department confirms the Red Harbour fire has been extinguished.

Current Fires of Concern

• Kingston Fire – The largest fire at just under 2,200 hectares. Reports indicate some homes have been lost. This fire remains out of control.

• Holyrood Fire – Still listed as out of control but reportedly being held.

• Martin Lake Fire – Located west of the Bishop’s Falls–Grand Falls-Windsor area, also out of control.

Fire Ban

A province-wide fire ban remains in place until at least September 7 due to hot, dry conditions that will only worsen in the coming days.

Smoke and Air Quality

Smoke from the Kingston fire has been drifting toward and away from the St. John’s Metro area depending on wind direction.
Air Quality Warnings and a Special Air Quality Statement are in effect for multiple regions. Winds out of the west tend to push both smoke and fire eastward; stronger winds can intensify fire behaviour.

Health tips for poor air quality:

• Turn off HRV/air exchangers to reduce intake of outdoor air.

• Keep mini-splits running (they mostly recirculate indoor air).

• Stay indoors when possible.

• Consider wearing an N95 mask if sensitive to smoke.

• Monitor symptoms and seek medical attention if needed.

Heat Warnings

Heat warnings are in effect for:

• Central and Eastern Newfoundland (starting Friday)

• Most of Labrador (already in effect)

Forecast Highs:

• Eastern Newfoundland: 30°C Friday, upper 20s to low 30s into mid-next week.

• Central Newfoundland: Upper 20s to low 30s through Thursday.

• Labrador: Low 30s into Tuesday, cooling slightly mid-week.

Overnight lows of 15–16°C will meet heat warning criteria in several areas. Rain chances remain very low, with the next notable chance not until Thursday of next week.

Why It’s Happening

A strong ridge of high pressure (heat dome) is in place, causing:

• Sinking, compressing air that warms and traps heat.

• Poor ventilation in the atmosphere, allowing smoke to linger.

• Persistently dry conditions that keep wildfire risk high.

This combination of hot, dry weather and trapped smoke will likely persist for several days.

Stay informed:
For the latest wildfire information, visit www.gov.nl.ca/alerts and follow Sheerr Weather updates in the Sheerr Weather app (Apple App Store & Google Play) or at www.sheerrweather.ca.

Our thoughts remain with all those directly impacted by these fires.