An out-of-control wildfire near Chance Harbour, N.L., has grown to 1,200 hectares, destroying cabins and prompting evacuations as fire crews battle to contain it.
Out-of-Control Fire Grows to 1,200 Hectares
Nine wildfires are now active across Newfoundland and Labrador, with the largest—burning near Chance Harbour—declared out of control and stretching over 1,200 hectares. Provincial fire duty officer Mark Lawlor confirmed Tuesday night that this wildfire, located roughly 300 km north of St. John’s on the Bonavista Peninsula, is currently the province’s top priority.
Cabins Destroyed, Road Closures and Evacuations Issued
The blaze has destroyed multiple cabins in the Chance Harbour area, prompting an evacuation order Monday for cabin owners along the nearby resource road. That same road, known as Chance Harbour Resource Road, was officially closed to the public on Tuesday afternoon. Although nearby communities such as Jamestown and Winter Brook are not currently at risk, officials remain on high alert.
Emergency Response Scaling Up
The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture stated firefighting efforts are concentrated on the fire’s southeastern flank. An incident management team is in place, with additional ground crews expected to arrive by Wednesday. Twenty-five staff members have already been deployed to help suppress the fire. Lawlor emphasized the need for public caution, urging residents not to spark new fires that would divert critical firefighting resources.
Situation Elsewhere in the Province
Two other active wildfires are burning in Labrador: one southeast of Cartwright and another east of Churchill Falls. A third fire initially reported near Port Hope Simpson was later confirmed as a false alarm. Lawlor noted that multiple fires under control are being deprioritized so resources can focus on more urgent threats.
Cause Under Investigation, Fire Ban Likely to Continue
The cause of the Chance Harbour fire remains unknown. With dry conditions persisting, Lawlor said the province-wide fire ban is expected to stay in place. Despite the challenges, morale among firefighting teams remains high.
Eyewitness Account: “It Was Consuming Everything”
Ryan Pitts, a lifelong resident of the area, shared a firsthand account of the fire’s destruction. His family members initially mistook the smoke for fog until black clouds signaled a growing blaze. Pitts said he took a boat to check on cabins near Chance Harbour but was met with devastation.
“By the time I got out there, it was just consuming everything,” he said, recalling the moment he saw his uncle’s cabin go up in smoke. “What can you say? You’re watching it all burn and there’s nothing you can do.”
For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.
