DEVELOPING Wildfire not expected to impact Musgrave Harbour July 20, will likely cross highway tonight

Residents of Musgrave Harbour, NL, ordered to evacuate July 20 as wildfire now located about two kilometres from townPublished Jul 20, 2025Last updated 2 hours ago8 minute readThis photo, taken by Roger Jordan Hicks and shared on Facebook, shows the fast-moving fire threatening Musgrave Harbour, NL, July 20. Photo by Roger Jordan Hicks/FacebookArticle contentThe province is throwing everything it has at a fire that’s threatening Musgrave Harbour as residents of the town and a nearby campground has been issued.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 contentAccording to Justice and Public Safety Minister John Haggie, “Effectively, we’re using all of our air assets from the waterbomber point of view, as well as helicopters and ground crews. We have increased the level of activity at the provincial emergency centre and we’ve got whatever partners we feel we need engaged currently.”Article contentArticle contentArticle contentThe evacuation order includes Banting Memorial Park Campground, located near the town,  Haggie said during a media briefing at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, July 20.Article content“Everybody in those two locations is required to leave,” Haggie said.Article contentA release issued by the province around 7 p.m. on Sunday said that the fire is moving south and east of the community and is unlikely to impact the community today; however, it is anticipated that the fire will cross the highway towards Banting Memorial Park this evening or overnight.Article contentAs of 7 p.m. Sunday, officials said the fire was about two kilometres from the town.Article contentRCMP and Ground Search and Rescue are currently stationed at roadblocks at the entrance to Aspen Cove and Banting Memorial Park. Route 330 may need to be closed on short notice. Updates will be provided on any official closure, should it be required.Article contentArticle contentIn a social media post, Premier John Hogan wrote, “To the brave wildfire crews and emergency responders in the air and on the ground, thank you for all that you do. Stay safe!”Article contentArticle contentThe fire was initially reported around 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, in the Pine Pond area, said Jamie Chippett, deputy minister for the Department of Forestry and Agriculture. At the time, it was eight kilometres from the community.Article contentAs of 12:30 p.m. Sunday, it was just one kilometre from the community and a “rank five” fire in technical terms, Chippett said, going on to explain that’s a “very high” rank.Article contentThe scale goes to six.Article content“That means it’s very active, the community would be seeing lots of smoke,” Chippett said. “We do have weather conditions, with a wind that is 40, gusting to 50 (kilometres per hour) west southwest, which unfortunately puts the community directly in the line of the fire.”Article contentSmoke conditions, he added, make it difficult to estimate the size of the fire.Article contentWinds are expected to continue in that direction tomorrow but are estimated to be a bit lower. Some precipitation is expected this evening, he said, but the first real relief isn’t expected until Tuesday, when there is the potential for significant precipitation and more favourable wind conditions.Article contentArticle contentBy 7 p.m. on Sunday, the province had a better idea of the size of the fire.Article contentOriginally believed to be around 500 hectares earlier in the day, it’s now around 1,700 hectares, says the province, which is about the same size as the Chance Harbour fire.Article contentThe two blazes are the largest in the province so far this year.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentResidents ordered outArticle contentThe town issued a state of emergency Sunday morning, July 20, that required immediate evacuation.Article content“Due to an active wildfire, a state of emergency has been declared by the Town of Musgrave Harbour. Mandatory Evacuation Order, ALL persons located within the area the Town of Musgrave Harbour are ordered to evacuate immediately, unless otherwise directed by the fire department, town officials, or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP),” it reads.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentAs of the evacuation alert, which was issued at 9:30 a.m., the wildfire was approximately two kilometres from the community.Article contentHaggie said the province was keeping in touch with town officials and keeping them updated on developments.Article content“I’d like to say thank you — the residents of Musgrave Harbour, they’ve stepped up, they’ve looked after themselves, and they’ve listened. My understanding is that almost 80 per cent of them had made the decision to go before the evacuation order was issued,” Haggie said.Article content“You can’t give enough thanks to the fire departments, the local departments as well as the ground crews. Everybody sees the videos of the water bombers, swooping in, in a sense, like the heroes they are. But the guys on the ground, stamping on the hot spots and spraying water, have a less glamourous but really vital job, and I’d like to take my hat off to them.”Article contentArticle contentAs of 1 p.m. Sunday, the town said there were no new updates on the status of the fire but said emergency services remain on-site and actively managing the situation. Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentWill other areas need to evacuate?Article contentMusgrave Harbour is located on the northeast coast of the province, about 90 kilometres from Gander. About 1,000 people reside in the community.Article contentResidents of the neighbouring community of Ladle Cove have been told to be prepared in case that community needs to be evacuated as well. Article content“Ladle Cove and Aspen Cove may not be immediately threatened; however, this may change without notice. In such event, in would be prudent for us to consider how we can be better prepared to keep ourselves and our neighbours safe,” the Ladle Cove Improvement Committee posted on social media.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentDue to the evacuation order in effect, the Musgrave Harbour Community Health Centre has closed. NL Health Services is contacting individuals with scheduled appointments, as well as other clients in their care, to ensure continuity of care for those affected. If you have not been contacted by NL Health Services and have concerns, please reach out to your individual case manager.Article contentAt this time, services offered at other health care facilities in the Central region are not impacted. Patients/clients should proceed as normal to nearby health-care facilities for care, as determined necessary.Article contentAll four of the province’s working water bombers are set to be actively working the wildfire near Musgrave Harbour today. The total size of the fire is currently unknown.Article contentWaterbomber on siteWater bomber on scene only taking minutes to fill and back to the fire. These guys are the best and the firefighters and policePosted by Roger Jordan Hicks on Sunday, July 20, 2025Article contentArticle contentMusgrave Harbour had been under an evacuation alert since late last night after a fire broke out in the Pine Pond area, located southwest of the community.Article contentThe fire grew overnight thanks to strong winds, prompting the evacuation order early Sunday morning.Article contentArticle contentWildfire suppression resources are in place and three waterbombers and a helicopter are working the wildfire this morning, according to the provincial government.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentWhat should evacuees do?Article contentA reception centre has been set up at Steele Memorial Centre, 155 Airport Boulevard, in Gander for evacuees. All evacuees must register with Canadian Red Cross upon arrival at Steele Memorial Centre.Article contentThe Canadian Red Cross will also be able to assist those who require emergency accommodations.Article contentEvacuees can also check in with the Red Cross by telephone at 709-729-0921.Article content“It’s important that everyone who is evacuated from Musgrave Harbour or Banting Memorial (RV park) by this order check in with the Red Cross,” Haggie said.Article content“It’s important we have that information so we can help you out, even if you don’t use the Steele Centre.”Article contentThe Red Cross has been on site since around 11:30 Sunday, he said, while the Salvation Army was expected to be on site early afternoon to provide food.Article contentBusing transportation has been arranged for anyone who needs support.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentMany people are already offering help to anyone who is evacuating.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentWith the fire evacuation for musgrave harbour , I have a big piece of property for anyone that wanted to bring campers…Posted by Tyler Harvey on Sunday, July 20, 2025Article content‼️‼️‼️if anyone in the Musgrave Harbour Area needs livestock moved due to the fire please call or message myself or Patrick KeanPosted by Dana Blackmore on Sunday, July 20, 2025Article contentArticle contentAnyone who needs livestock moved due to the fire in Musgrave harbour please don’t hesitate to message or call. 709-597-3310 Share please.Posted by Ashley Lynch on Sunday, July 20, 2025Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentThe Gander SPCA is offering space for pets of Musgrave Harbour residents that are evacuating.Article content“We are providing emergency pet accommodations at our shelter. If you require this service, please contact us at 709-651-3002. We will provide support to the best of our abilities. Please do not leave your pets behind.”Article contentOthers sent sympathies and best wishes for residents who have been impacted.Article contentThe Town of Dover, which is close by, wrote on social media, “Our community is sending our best to Town of Musgrave Harbour and the surrounding areas at this most difficult time, we do understand the stress level that you are going through, please take caution and stay safe everyone.”Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentThoughts are with the town of Musgrave Harbour as a wildfire approaches and an emergency alert as been issued!Posted by Bev Colson on Sunday, July 20, 2025Article contentArticle contentBonavista MHA Craig Pardy posted, “What a Terrible stretch we collectively find ourselves in! BEST wishes to Town of Musgrave Harbour! Provincial fire fighting resources are stretched.”Article contentIF under Evacuation Order – NOTE- WILL LIKELY trigger Additional Living Expenses (ALE) which is usually STANDARD…Posted by Craig Pardy on Sunday, July 20, 2025Article content“My heart hurts for our beautiful wilderness of a province. For all the people losing their homes, cabins and belongings. I’m crossing my fingers for rain and no winds but the current forecast is for the winds to push the fire our way,” wrote Sam Jeannie Kim on Facebook Saturday night.Article contentKim later posted on Sunday morning, “Thank god for the pilots and crews and all the firefighters trying to save our little piece of paradise. Keep us in your thoughts and send good rain-y vibes,” while sharing a video taken by Giselle Hicks of water bombers in the Musgrave Harbour area.Article contentBeyond thankful to see these guys! 👏Posted by Giselle Hicks on Sunday, July 20, 2025Article contentBusy fire seasonArticle contentThe 2025 season has seen significantly more forest fires than usual, with 176 wildfires to date — last year saw 97, with the average hovering around that number for the past six years.Article content“This is a really busy fire season for the province,” Haggie said.Article contentThe Chance Harbour Fire, which destroyed many cabins in Puddin Cove and surrounding areas, continues to blaze out-of-control and as of Sunday morning, had spread to 1,660 hectares. It grew in size on Sunday, and is now spread across 1,720 hectares, about the same size as the Musgrave Harbour fire.Article contentAs of Sunday morning, the Lethbridge and Area Service District said the nearby communities of Winter Brook and Jamestown weren’t currently at risk of the Chance Harbour Fire as the winds were in a southwesterly direction.Article content“The water bombers have been diverted to Musgrave Harbour but we still have helicopters dropping water at Chance Harbour,” it posted on Facebook around 10:30 a.m. Sunday.Article content“There is a high expectation of increased fire activity today in the Chance Harbour area. All models show a very active and fast moving fire in that area away from the communities.”Article contentChance Harbour Road remains closed to all traffic.Article contentThe provincial forestry department said late morning on July 20 that residents can expect to see significant smoke from the southern end of the fire in Chance Harbour. Article contentThree helicopters are working on suppressing the fire today and will focus on the protection of threatened cabins, while the Incident Management Team remains focused on Chance Harbour. Ground crews will be redeployed once it is safe to do so.Article contentArticle contentA fire at Nine Island Pond, on Random Island, which broke out Saturday, July 19, is also considered out-of-control and now covers two hectares. While fire suppression efforts had slowed the fire as of suppertime Saturday, cabins in the area were evacuated as a precaution.Article contentA fire ban remains in effect across the province due to the extreme risk of fires.Article content“That means no open flames,” Haggie said. “And it also means be really careful what you’re doing with your cigarette ends. It’s surprising the amount of people that throw them out on the highway and we’ve seen that cause trouble before. Please, police yourself, so we don’t have to do it for you.”Article contentDon’t use dronesArticle contentThe province also warned against the use of drones.Article content“Drones in the air mean no water bombers in the air,” Haggie said, “and that is our main weapon during the daylight hours.”Article contentUnauthorized drone use, he said, is a criminal offence where water bombers operate.Article content