Grand Falls-Windsor has opened facilities to support evacuees and their pets as the community rallies to assistPublished Jun 18, 20253 minute readPhoto of the smoke spreading courtesy of Exploits Search & RescueArticle contentGrand Falls-Windsor is ready to welcome people evacuating from Badger who are forced to leave their homes as a wildfire threatens the rural NL community. 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Article contentArticle contentArticle contentAll evacuees must register at the stadium, even if staying elsewhere, or via phone by calling 709-729-0921 to ensure a safe evacuation process, the province says.Article contentBuses are available at the town hall in Badger to assist with transportation to Grand Falls-Windsor if required. If residents require additional assistance, call 709-729-0921.Article contentAs of 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, there are no impacts to the Trans-Canada Highway in Badger or Route 370 (Buchans Highway). However, the RCMP have requested people avoid unnecessary travel in the area.Article contentA province-wide fire ban is now in effect, prohibiting open fires, campfires, and fireworks. Article contentArticle contentArticle contentSPCA steps up for pets Article contentArticle contentSarah McLeod from the Exploits Valley SPCA said the organization is actively supporting evacuees who have brought pets with them. Article content“We’re offering space that we have available,” McLeod said. “We’ve set up a lot of carriers and cages for both cats and dogs, along with food and litter.” Article content SPCA have been taking in animals all day from Badger CONTRIBUTEDArticle contentThe SPCA has also sent supplies, including pet food, to the reception centre. Article contentArticle contentWhile the situation has been hectic, McLeod said the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Article content“We’ve really been lucky — the community has been sending lots of help with offers of fostering and support for people from Badger.” Article contentMcLeod noted that the SPCA has been overwhelmed with community support from individuals and volunteers offering to foster displaced animals.Article contentArticle contentArticle content The SPCA collects all the relevant information for each pet and leaves a sticker on their individual crates CONTRIBUTEDArticle content“We also have the town of Grand Falls-Windsor setting up an area in the stadium for animals as well. Additionally, Gander and St. John’s SPCA and Central Paws are offering assistance if needed,” she said.Article contentSo far, the Exploits Valley SPCA has been able to accommodate several cats, with some in temporary foster homes, and have found fosters for all dogs.Article contentShe noted that arriving pet owners should be prepared to share information about medical needs or special diets, which the SPCA records and attaches to the animal’s crate. Article contentArticle contentAt this time, the shelter is not experiencing any supply shortages. Article contentOn-the-ground updates Article contentChris Tibbs, Member of the House of Assembly for the area, has been posting live updates from Badger throughout the day to inform residents and evacuees. Article contentIt’s getting very bad here in Badger please avoid this area. PSA my office will be available 24/7 till this thing is overPosted by Chris Tibbs on Wednesday, June 18, 2025Article contentArticle contentArticle contentGFW Fire Chief Vince Mackenzie also confirmed via social media that a pumper crew from GFW has been deployed to assist the Badger Fire Department. Article contentHe urged residents to take the evacuation order seriously and to register with the Canadian Red Cross, even if staying elsewhere. Article contentArticle contentRed Cross, Salvation Army ready to assist Article contentThe Telegram contacted the Canadian Red Cross for details on their involvement. Article contentA spokesperson said the organization is monitoring the situation and is in close communication with municipal and provincial officials, as well as community partners. Article contentThey confirmed the Red Cross is ready to provide support to individuals and communities affected by wildfires, but only upon formal request from local authorities. Article contentThe Salvation Army of Newfoundland and Labrador is also on-site at the arena and ready to provide assistance, including food and emotional and spiritual support to evacuees. Additional teams, it says, are ready to offer more help.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentGrand Falls-Windsor town response Article contentRobyn Hannaford, communications officer for the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor, said the town’s emergency response is well underway, with municipal staff actively supporting evacuees on site. Article contentAs of 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, approximately 445 people had registered at the Joe Byrne Memorial Stadium. Article contentTown employees have been helping with setup, logistics, traffic control, and overall coordination alongside the Canadian Red Cross. Article content“We’re providing mutual aid assistance and working closely with provincial fire emergency services to help coordinate efforts and ensure the safety and well-being of all affected residents,” Hannaford said. Article contentShe noted that GFW remains in regular communication with provincial emergency officials and participates in Emergency Operations Committee calls to stay aligned with the broader response effort. Article contentWhile there is no current threat to GFW itself, residents are urged to remain cautious and prepared. Article contentHannaford also reminded the public that increased traffic between GFW and Badger is expected, and patience on the roads will be critical in the days ahead. Article contentFor real-time updates, residents are encouraged to follow the town’s official social media channels or sign up for the Voyent Alert! app. Article content
Grand Falls-Windsor welcomes arms to Badger as wildfire threat continues
