DEVELOPING: Province declares state of emergency for Baie de Verde Peninsula

Premier John Hogan tells people to be prepared in the event an evacuation order is issuedPublished Aug 09, 2025Last updated 3 hours ago10 minute readPremier John Hogan provided and update on the wildfires in Newfoundland early in the afternoon on Saturday, Aug. 9. IMAGE FROM YOUTUBEArticle contentThe province has declared a regional state of emergency for the Baie de Verde Peninsula north of Bristol’s Hope and Whiteway. 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 contentPremier John Hogan announced the measure in an evening update on the wildfire situation in the province at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9. Article contentArticle content“A state of emergency allows our government another tool in our toolbox to help continue our best efforts to keep the community safe,” said Hogan. Article contentArticle contentThe area affected has a population of about 14,000 people. Article contentArticle contentArticle contentHogan said the situation with the Kingston fire is very serious and evolving. Article contentEarlier in the afternoon an evacuation order was issued for Burnt Point-Gull Island-Northern Bay that Hogan said was because of the extreme wildfire behaviour of the Kingston fire.  Article content“Due as well to the intense conditions, ground crews that were working on the Kingston fire have been removed due to safety concerns,” he said.  Article contentHogan told people if they are on the peninsula and their community had not been evacuated, they do not need to evacuate Article content“However, it is good to be prepared.” Article contentCommunities now under evacuation order in the region include: Article contentSmall Point–Adam’s Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove Article contentWestern Bay Article contentSalmon Cove Article contentKingston Article contentPerry’s Cove Article contentOchre Pit Cove Article contentAnd Burnt Point-Gull Island-Northern Bay. Article contentVictoria remains under evacuation alert. Article content Evacuees were told to register with the Canadian Red Cross at the reception centre at Carbonear Academy, 88 Valley Road, in Carbonear or by calling 709-729-0921. Article contentArticle contentArticle content “I want to ensure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, especially those on the Baie de Verde Peninsula that all hands are on deck,” Hogan said. Article content Involved in the response to the wildfires are the provincial departments of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, Justice and Public Safety, Health and Community Services and Families and Affordability. Article contentThe province is being assisted by the Canadian Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the RCMP, RNC, Public Safety Canada, Canadian Coast Guard, Canadian Armed Forces, Ground Search and Rescue and other local partners and many volunteers. Article contentOn top of the air assets from Quebec and New Brunswick, Hogan said the province has received confirmation that two more waterbombers and bird dog will be coming from Ontario on Sunday, Aug. 10. Article content Hogan noted that a helicopter is on the way to a fire near Gull Island in Labrador and a ground crew is en route to assess the situation. Article contentArticle content Hogan also said it’s distressing to hear that there are still reports of people violating the Forestry Act regulations and he is aware of at least one investigation into potential fines being issued under the new regime   Article content“I am aware that there is at least one investigation into a potential fines being issued under the new regime announced on Friday, Aug. 8. Article content“Please, please do not start fires or do anything that can lead to fires,” he said. Article content Afternoon update Article contentSupport from outside the province has more than doubled fire suppression efforts as the battle against wildfires continues in Newfoundland as more communities were forced to evacuate.Article contentAn immediate evacuation order was issued for the unincorporated area of Burnt Point-Gull Island-Northern Bay Saturday afternoon. Evacuees are told to travel north along route 70 and to register with the Canadian Red Cross at the reception centre in Carbonear at Carbonear Academy, 88 Valley Road, or by calling 709-729-0921.Article contentConditions improved, however, for the Holyrood fire. Evacuations were lifted for Conception Bay South and Holyrood areas, and Route 60, or the Conception Bay Highway, is now open. Residents returning are advised that there is still an active fire and there are fire crews on scene working hot spot areas. Residents who are returning to their properties are asked to proceed with caution and to seek guidance from town officials and first responders, if needed.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentIn an update on Saturday, Aug. 9, Premier John Hogan outlined some of that support in the form or manpower and equipment. Article contentQuebec will be providing another bird dog, an aircraft that he said plays a crucial role in co-ordinating and guiding the air tankers and other aircraft and ensuring safe and effective and more efficient fire operations. Article contentTwenty firefighters from Ontario are expected to arrive later in the day. Article contentCanadian Coast Guard helicopters are in use and their comfort trailer is in place. Article contentThe Canadian Armed Forces is in the province and preparing for deployment. Article content“It also helps to provide a breather for the hard-working crew and the volunteers who have been working intensely over the last week,” said Hogan of the extra help. Article content An image from Firemap.Live shows the Kingston fire. Photo by Firemap.LiveArticle contentThe fires Article contentHogan said the Kingston fire had light winds overnight and limited growth on the fire. He said it grew by 200 hectares mostly in the northwest towards Island Pond. Article contentArticle contentThe size of the fire is now at just over 3,000 hectares. Article contentAs reported earlier, fire suppression efforts would continue similarly to what had been done on Friday, Aug. 8, with three waterbombers and four helicopters. Article content“However, we have pulled the ground crew from the northern edge of the fire,” said Hogan. Article contentDozers and excavators have just about completed work on fuel breaks on the southern edge near Perry’s Cove and in the north on Cliffy Pond Road. Article contentHogan said winds unfortunately are expected to pick up to 20 kilometres per hour, gusting up to 40 km/h west and southwest on Saturday. Article content“We anticipate these winds combined with the extreme fire weather index are going to lead to very active fire behaviour this afternoon and this evening. So, it will be a serious risk throughout the day as we continue to monitor the Kingston fire.” Article contentHogan said the head of the fire is about 2.5 km from Western Bay. Article contentArticle contentArticle contentCrews continue to work on the Holyrood fire using the same approach that has been effective to date. Article content“There’s a hose line in place around the entire fire perimeter and staff are continuing digging out and wetting down the remaining hotspots,” said Hogan. Article contentThe fire continues to be about 22 hectares in size. Article contentHogan said some people being able to return home on Friday was great news. Article content“We’ll continue to look at the size of that evacuation order throughout the day. Hopefully, we will have some good news on that.” Article contentBut he advised people to listen and not return home until the evacuation order is lifted. Article contentArticle contentArticle contentThe Martin Lake wildfire continues to be active and has increased slightly to about 245 hectares with some growth on the north and south edges. Article contentHogan said crews are holding the eastern perimeter near the north side of Martin Lake and Great Rattling Brook along with air and ground suppression efforts. Article contentWaterbombers, helicopters, three air tractors and ground crews continue to work and a fuel break is being constructed along the road between the northern edge of Martin Lake and Great Rattling Brook. Article contentHogan said unfortunately the winds are forecasted to be southwest at 20 km/h gusting to 40 km/h in that area during the afternoon. He said fire behaviour will be challenging in that area as well. Article contentHe said motorists will see smoke along Route 360 and they are continuing to monitor smoke and fire on that highway. Article content“We will certainly give as much warning as we can in the event that the highway does have to be closed.” Article contentEvacueesArticle contentThere are almost 3,000 people under an evacuation order and almost 1,500 households. Article contentSpeaking to those who have had to be evacuated, Hogan said the government appreciates their patience and continues to ask for their patience. Article content“The firefighters are of course doing what they can, and we will get you back to your homes as soon as it’s safely possible,” he said adding they are doing it as fast as  possible. Article content📢Public Advisory: Evacuation Order Issued for Burnt Point-Gull Island-Northern BayAn immediate evacuation order has been issued for the unincorporated area of Burnt Point-Gull Island-Northern Bay as a result of extreme wildfire behaviour in the area.  Impacted residents are… pic.twitter.com/NoywO9lBhF— Government of Newfoundland & Labrador (@GovNL) August 9, 2025Article contentArticle contentAnother evacuation Article contentAt just after 3:15 p.m. on Saturday the Department of Justice and Public Safety issued an immediate evacuation order for the unincorporated area of Burnt Point-Gull Island-Northern Bay as a result of extreme wildfire behaviour in the area. Article contentImpacted residents have been advised to head north on route 70, and to register with the Canadian Red Cross at the reception centre  at Carbonear Academy, 88 Valley Road, in Carbonear or by calling 709-729-0921. Article contentThe department said updates on conditions, resources and assistance will be made available continuously throughout this evolving situation. Article contentThe most up to date information can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/alerts. People are also encouraged to follow the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on Facebook and on X. Article contentArticle contentArticle contentEarlier storyArticle contentAs efforts continue to fight the wildfires burning in the province, some of those evacuated from their homes were allowed to return on Friday, Aug. 8.Article contentA revised evacuation order was issued early in the evening by the Department of Justice and Public Safety for residents in the Holyrood area.Article contentPeople living between the Irving Gas Bar at 377 Conception Bay Highway northward to 103 Conception Bay South Highway, by Murray’s Peak Hiking Trail, were told they were able to return home.Article contentArticle contentEvacuation orders continue for:Article contentTown of Small Point–Adam’s Cove–Blackhead–Broad CoveArticle contentTown of Western BayArticle contentTown of Salmon CoveArticle contentUnincorporated area of KingstonArticle contentUnincorporated area of Perry’s CoveArticle contentUnincorporated area of Ochre Pit CoveArticle contentSection of HolyroodArticle contentSections of Conception Bay SouthArticle contentAn evacuation alert remains in effect for the Town of Victoria.Article contentThere is an evacuation advisory in effect for cabin owners in the Martin Lake, Great Rattling Brook and Rushy Pond areas off Route 360 (Bay d’Espoir Highway), including all cabins from Rushy Pond to Rifle Lake, approximately 45 kilometres from the Trans-Canada Highway.Article contentThe firesArticle contentSmall Point–Adam’s Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove, Kingston, Western Bay, Perry’s Cove, Salmon Cove, Ochre Pit CoveArticle contentIn an update Friday night, the department said the lack of wind helped efforts on the Kingston wildfire during the day, limiting smoke, heat and movement.Article contentArticle contentFour water bombers, three helicopters and ground crews actioned the fire while dozers and excavators worked on fuel breaks on the southern edge near Perry’s Cove and in the north on Cliffy Pond road.Article contentThe fire is estimated to be 2,875 hectares in size.Article contentFor Saturday, Aug. 9, the plan is to continue with aerial suppression, ground work, and fuel break construction.Article contentRoute 70 remains closed from Persalvic School Complex in Victoria to the entrance to Northern Bay. A checkpoint has been set up at Ridge Road to prevent access to Salmon Cove.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentSection of Holyrood and sections of Conception Bay SouthArticle contentThe department said fire suppression work on the Holyrood wildfire continued to see progress on Friday.Article contentCrews were able to hose around the fire, containing growth and allowing for further hot spot work.Article contentArticle contentThe fire is approximately 22 hectares in size and the plan for Saturday is to continue the on-ground suppression approach with support from a helicopter bucketing if needed.Article contentRoute 60 is closed between 103 Conception Bay Highway and Seal Cove Road.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentMartin Lake, Great Rattling Brook and Rushy Pond areas off Route 360 (Bay d’Espoir Highway), including all cabins from Rushy Pond to Rifle LakeArticle contentThe Martin Lake wildfire continues to be active, but the department said crews were holding the eastern perimeter near the north side of Martin Lake and Great Rattling Brook, along with air and ground suppression efforts.Article contentA water bomber, two helicopters, three air tractors and ground crews will continue to work on the 230-hectare fire on Saturday.Article contentTwo water bombers and a bird dog from Quebec, and 20 firefighters from Ontario are expected to arrive in the province throughout Saturday to assist with the fire-fighting efforts.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentHigher finesArticle contentAs investigations into some of the fires continue the province announced on Friday that it was increasing fines for anyone convicted of intentionally causing a wildfire and other violations involving flammable materials.Article contentDuring a press conference Premier John Hogan said fines now in effect range from $150,000 for a first offence to anywhere from $75,000 to $150,000 for subsequent offences.Article contentThe previous range had been $75 for a first offence and $150 for subsequent offences.Article contentImprisonment in default of payment will increase from three days to up to six months for a first offence and from six days to up to six months for any subsequent offence.Article contentIf a summons is issued for a first offense, fines will increase from $500 to the $50,000 to $100,000 range and imprisonment will increase from up to three months to up to one year. For a subsequent offense, fines increase from a minimum of $1,000 to a range of $75,000 to $150,000, and imprisonment in default will be increased from up to three months to up to one year.Article content Premier John Hogan (centre) announced increased fines for those violating fire bans in the province. From left; Lisa Dempster, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture; Hogan; and Jaime Chippett, deputy minister, Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture. Photo by Cameron Kilfoy/The Telegram /THE TELEGRAMArticle content“It’s very clear that these penalties for violating the regulations needed to be higher and everyone needs to take this very seriously,” said Hogan.Article content“I think it’s very clear that (with) the size of the increases and the penalties, including imprisonment, that we mean business and we want people to listen and take this seriously,” he said.Article contentOn the west coast the Bay St. George RCMP said Friday that it planned to increase patrols in the area as they investigate recent fires in that area.Article contentOn Wednesday, Aug. 6, officers responded to a report of a small brush fire in the area of Minnesota Drive and Carolina Avenue in Stephenville. The fire had been extinguished by staff from a local business.Article contentLater on Wednesday night police were advised that firefighters from the St. George’s Fire Department had responded to and extinguished a blaze discovered in the area of Farm Road. This fire was initially reported to and investigated by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture. The RCMP is also now investigating the circumstances surrounding this fire.Article contentThe RCMP is asking anyone with information about the cause of any of these fires is asked to contact the Bay St. George detachment at 709-643-2118.Article contentA province-wide fire ban is currently in effect.Article content