DEVELOPING: Evacuation order issued for Western Bay, evacuation alert for Orchre Pit Cove as more communities threatened by wildfires

Evacuation order issued Monday for sections Holyrood, and sections of C.B.S.; earlier for C.B.N. communities of Small Point–Adam’s Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove and KingstonPublished Aug 04, 2025Last updated 1 hour ago5 minute readA provincial government water bomber flies through smoke over route 60 in Holyrood as it makes water drop on a wildfire in the area. A section of Holyrood was evacuated Monday afternoon when fires spread and got too close to inhabited areas. Photo by Keith Gosse/The TelegramArticle contentEvacuation order issued late Monday night for Western Bay and an evacuation alert issued for Ochre Pit Cove, in addition to the earlier Monday evacuation orders for neighbouring Conception Bay North communities of Small Point–Adam’s Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove and Kingston, due to extreme wildfire behaviour in the area.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentAlso on Monday, an evacuation order was issued for sections of the Town of Holyrood and later Monday evening to sections of the Town of C.B.S.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentWestern Bay evacuees are advised to head north on Route 70 and to register with the Canadian Red Cross at the reception centre at Persalvic School Complex in Victoria, or by calling 709-729-0921.Article contentNewfoundland Power announced Monday evening that, in co-ordination with Provincial Emergency Operations, power has been shut off from Kingston to the end of Adam’s Cove to support wildfire response. Article contentIn Holyrood the evacuation order included Route 60 from Beaumont Place to the bridge at the entrance of Holyrood, including all side roads, as well as the Terminal Station, Duff’s Road and Green Acres Subdivision – to evacuate immediately.Article contentThe Central Avalon Ground Search and Rescue was called in to help with the evacuation of homes in the eastern part of Holyrood.Article contentArticle contentIn Conception Bay South, the town announced that all residents from 1820 Conception Bay Highway to the western boundary of Conception Bay South are now under an evacuation order as well.Article contentArticle contentAn evacuation alert was issued for the area from 1375 Conception Bay Highway to 1820 Conception Bay Highway, including all roads in between.Article contentArticle contentAnyone who has been evacuated is asked to register at the Conception Bay South Arena.Article contentArticle contentWater bombers and ground crews are working on fire suppression.Article contentRoute 60 in the evacuation area was covered in smoke, with at least two water bombers doing drops on the fire in that area. Article contentIt appeared early Monday evening that the fire had crossed the road.Article content A search and rescue vehicle drives through smoke over Route 60 in Holyrood during a wildfire in the area. A section of Holyrood was evacuated Monday afternoon when fires spread and got too close to inhabited areas. Photo by Keith Gosse/The TelegramArticle contentSmall pockets of residents gathered just outside the evacuation area, watching the activity. The Telegram found a small group of residents gathered on a lookout on Daniel’s Road, just west of the fire, that watching the water bombers make drops near their homes. Article contentOne man had just started building a house in the fire area while two others watched the water bombers make drops near their homes. Article content A provincial government water bomber flies through smoke over Route 60 in Holyrood as it makes a water drop on a wildfire in the area. A section of Holyrood was evacuated Monday afternoon when fires spread and got too close to inhabited areas. Photo by Keith Gosse/The TelegramArticle contentThe province announced at 9:30 p.m. Monday that ground crews will be working with local fire departments on the Holyrood fire, focusing on structure protection throughout the night. Article contentRCMP has closed Route 60 from Beaumont Place in Holyrood to the bridge at the entrance of Holyrood (CBS side). Motorists are asked to avoid the area.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentA reception centre is available at Conception Bay South Arena, 13 Mifflen Drive, until 5 p.m. Evacuees arriving after 5 p.m. are asked to go to Robert French Memorial Stadium, 70 Legion Road. The registration telephone number is 709-729-0921.Article contentArticle contentThe Provincial Emergency Operations Centre is at Level 2 and is actively co-ordinating emergency response. Emergency management partners engaged to respond, where necessary.Article contentThe Holyrood fire is considered out-of-control and is estimated to be 20 hectares.Article contentThe province says the fire risk is now considered high and a fire ban is in effect.Article contentWild fire in holyrood! Two bombers at it! Road blocked off 1km away but we where allowed back into area because not in evacuation area yet! Packing and moving vehicles just in case!! Cross fingers!Posted by John Gregory Eells on Monday, August 4, 2025Article contentArticle contentSmoke from the Holyrood fire prompted Environment Canada to issue a special air quality statement. The smell of smoke was heavy in St. John’s Monday night and Environment Canada warns that it’s reducing local air quality across parts of the northern Avalon Peninsula.Article contentArticle contentArticle content“Smoke from wildfires over Conception Bay North and the Holyrood area is reducing air quality in these areas and downwind. Local smoke concentrations will vary with changing winds,” the statement said. It went on to recommend limiting time outdoors and considering reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.Article contentArticle contentNewfoundland and Labrador Hydro says it has evacuated all non-essential personnel from the Holyrood Thermal Generating Station.Article content“The plant and surrounding site have been secured with emergency personnel remaining on-site, while safe to do so, overnight to monitor the situation. Hydro is in close contact with the province’s emergency response and is monitoring the situation,” NL Hydro said in a statement on its website.Article content A provincial government water bomber flies through smoke near Route 60 in Holyrood as it makes a water drop on a wildfire in the area. A section of Holyrood was evacuated Monday afternoon when fires spread and got too close to inhabited areas. Photo by Keith Gosse/The TelegramArticle contentThe Holyrood plant is not currently generating power as it is taken offline each summer to conduct annual maintenance.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentResidents evacuatingArticle contentThick smoke could be seen billowing over homes in the affected areas while water bombers battled the blaze.Article content“You never think it will actually hit home until it does,” wrote Steve Martin on social media.Article content“Hats off to the Holyrood Fire Dept., supporting fire departments from neighbouring communities, Central Avalon Ground Search and Rescue, waterbomber crews and everyone involved in fighting the ongoing wildfire in Holyrood/CBS area. The response has been pretty incredible! Thinking of everyone evacuated and hope the hard work of those fighting the blaze gets everyone back home soon!”Article content Residents of the Holyrood area watch water bombers fly over Route 60 in Holyrood during a wildfire in the area. A section of Holyrood was evacuated Monday afternoon when fires spread and got too close to inhabited areas. Photo by Keith Gosse/The TelegramArticle contentLocal businesses in the Holyrood area offered information and help to evacuating residents. The Holyrood Orange Store, for example, announced that it was open and had gas available and evacuating residents could charge their devices if needed.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentOffers of help have been coming in from the community, including aid with evacuating 30 horses from the area.Article content“Our horse community is absolutely amazing! Within a hour and a half, all 30 horses are out and safely placed in different barns to stay away from the fire and smoke from the Holyrood fires,” wrote Michelle Chafe.Article contentArticle contentOur horse community is absolutely amazing! Within a hour and a half, all 30 horses are out and safely placed in…Posted by Michelle Chafe on Monday, August 4, 2025Article contentArticle contentArticle contentAnimal rescue organization Paw2Love is offering to help families who are evacuating with animals.Article contentAnyone who has been evacuated in the fire areas needs help with temporary placement for their animals please reach out.Posted by Paw2Love on Monday, August 4, 2025Article contentArticle contentOther individuals have stepped up to offer help as well.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentMany also offered prayers and thanks for the firefighters who are battling the blaze.Article contentLet’s keep our fire fighters in our thoughts and prayers as we continue to battle forest fires. If you know family and friends in the areas affected reach out to ensure they are okay. Be fire aware and be safe!Posted by Paul Dinn on Monday, August 4, 2025Article contentArticle contentKingston fireArticle contentThe wildfire near the Town of Small Point–Adam’s Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove and the unincorporated area of Kingston remains very active, the province said in a 9:30 p.m. update on Monday.Article contentEarlier in the day, the Town of Small Point, Broad Cove, Blackhead, Adam’s Cove issued a state of emergency and ordered residents to evacuate.Article contentArticle contentWater bombers, helicopters and ground crews have been fighting the fire and held the perimeter for most of the day. Article contentHowever, a late evening surge has pushed the fire into the southwest edge of Small Point–Adams Cove. The fire has grown in size, but due to heavy smoke, precise mapping is not possible at this time. According to the province’s active wildfire dashboard, however, it’s estimated to be around 258 hectares.Article contentForest fire near Kingston, Newfoundland. Hopefully will be contained today. About 50 square hectares in size….update…now over 150 hectares.Posted by Todd Boland on Monday, August 4, 2025Article contentArticle contentAir and ground suppression action will continue in the coming days, the province said in the update.Article contentAll evacuees must register with Canadian Red Cross, either in person at the Persalvic School Complex in Victoria or by calling 709-729-0921.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentAdam’s Cove was previously threatened by a forest fire earlier in the year, when a forest fire broke out on May 7 and destroyed homes in the area and forced residents to evacuate.Article contentThere have now been 191 wildfires so far this season, almost double the number of wildfires seen in the province last year. On average over the past six years, NL has seen 96.6 fires per season.Article content