A fast-moving wildfire in Chance Harbour forces cabin owners to flee by boat as flames grow to 1,000 hectares. Fire crews battle multiple blazes across NL.
Cabin Owners Flee as Fire Erupts Near Bonavista Peninsula
A rapidly expanding wildfire near Chance Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador, forced residents to evacuate by boat on Monday, as flames surged to 1,000 hectares by nightfall. The fire, which ignited early Monday afternoon, has since become the province’s largest active wildfire, according to provincial fire duty officer Mark Lawlor.
First Signs: Smoke, Then Panic
Cabin owner Patsy Humby was among the first to react. Though she smelled smoke, she didn’t see flames until stepping behind her cabin. “I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I think we’re in trouble.’ It was big,” she said. With flames descending down the hillside, Humby and others escaped by watercraft as thick smoke filled the air.
Conditions Fuel Rapid Spread
Lawlor confirmed the fire was being driven northeast, away from major communities. However, a combination of strong winds, high temperatures, and low humidity created perfect conditions for rapid growth. “The conditions were perfect for it,” he noted.
Emergency Response Underway
As of Monday, three air tankers, one helicopter, and ground crews were actively engaged in suppression efforts. Some firefighters helped escort cabin owners to safety while the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture issued an immediate evacuation order for the Chance Harbour Resource Road cabin area.
Provincewide Fire Risk Grows
The Chance Harbour fire is part of a broader wildfire surge across the province. Two fires that ignited Sunday in eastern Newfoundland are classified as “out of control,” while the Northwest Brook and Maccles Lake South fires have reached 9.2 and 4 hectares, respectively.
Other Major Fires Across the Province
In central Newfoundland, the Pamehac Brook North fire near Badger remains the largest overall, burning over 1,034 hectares since June 17. While now under control, it had previously triggered a temporary evacuation order. Other fires, including the Bellman’s Pond and Burnt Dam blazes in the west, are being held or under control but continue to be monitored closely.
Fire Ban in Effect Amid Heat Wave
In response to escalating wildfire threats, the provincial government imposed a fire ban on Friday. With temperatures across the island soaring into the high 20s and low 30s, officials urge extreme caution and adherence to fire restrictions.
Outlook
While the Chance Harbour fire currently poses no direct threat to communities, officials remain on high alert. Evacuation orders, firefighting resources, and weather conditions over the coming days will determine how the situation unfolds.
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