A water bomber flies over Hickman’s Harbour Saturday afternoon, July 19, 2025, while deployed to help fight a wildfire that ignited in the area earlier in the day. – Submitted photo/Random Island NormArticle contentHaving battled the blaze most of the day Saturday, July 19, emergency crews have successfully slowed down a wildfire near Hickman’s Harbour, but it was still deemed to be out of control as of suppertime.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 contentFirefighters, police and forestry officials have been at the site of the Random Island fire since it ignited Saturday morning. Cabins in the area have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentThe province’s fire duty officer, Wesley Morgan, told The Telegram Saturday afternoon two water bombers and a helicopter had been deployed to assist with firefighting operations.Article contentThe water bombers returned to an ongoing wildfire in Chance Harbour by early evening, while ground crews continued their response in Hickman’s Harbour, where the fire is now estimated to span about two hectares.Article contentClarenville RCMP are urging people to stay away from the area as emergency crews work to suppress the blaze.Article contentThe province’s Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is advising people to pay attention to official channels, including the RCMP, for updated information.Article contentThere are currently five active wildfires in the province: one in Small Point that fire officials deem “held” – not expected to spread beyond an established boundary, given resource and weather conditions – one in Northwest Brook deemed to be under control, and three, including the fire in Hickman’s Harbour, one in Winokapu, Labrador, and one in Chance Harbour, that are deemed out of control.Article contentArticle contentThe Chance Harbour fire, which has been burning since July 14, is the largest of the 172 wildfires that have been active across Newfoundland and Labrador this season, with an estimated size of just under 17 square kilometres.Article contentThe province provided an update on the Chance Harbour blaze Saturday morning, saying three water bombers, three helicopters and a bird dog aircraft were on site.Article content“A sprinkler system remains active at the pinch point on the south and southeast section of the wildfire, closest to the communities of Jamestown and Winter Brook. There has been no growth in that direction,” Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture NL wrote.Article contentA province-wide fire ban, prohibiting anyone from setting outdoor fires on forest land or within 300 metres of forest land, has been in effect since July 11.Article contentArticle content
UPDATED: Hickman’s Harbour fire slowed, but still considered out of control
