A 1,700-hectare wildfire nears Musgrave Harbour, N.L., prompting evacuations and intense firefighting efforts. Air quality warnings remain in effect.
Massive Wildfire Nears Musgrave Harbour, Residents Evacuated
A fast-moving wildfire just two kilometres from Musgrave Harbour has forced a full evacuation of the Newfoundland town, with provincial officials declaring a state of emergency amid deteriorating air quality and high winds.
Growing Fire Threatens Coastal Community
The wildfire, which began Saturday evening, has now grown to approximately 1,700 hectares. Initially detected eight kilometres from the town, it advanced rapidly due to strong west-southwest winds gusting up to 50 km/h, pushing it dangerously close to Musgrave Harbour and nearby Banting Memorial Park.
Officials from the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture have ranked the fire at a high-intensity “Rank 5,” signifying an extremely vigorous surface fire. The ranking scale only goes up to six.
Evacuation Orders and Emergency Measures
An evacuation order remains in effect for Musgrave Harbour and Banting Memorial Park. Residents without transportation were asked to gather at the local fire hall to board emergency buses to Gander. Those evacuating by car were urged to drive cautiously and inform loved ones of their whereabouts.
The Canadian Red Cross is registering evacuees at the Steele Memorial Centre in Gander. Residents unable to reach the centre have been instructed to call 709-729-0921 to register.
A roadblock has been set up at Aspen Cove and Banting Memorial Park, and authorities have warned that Route 330 may close on short notice if fire conditions worsen.
Aerial and Ground Crews Fight Fire
Four water bombers, a bird-dog aircraft, helicopters, and ground crews are actively working to contain the fire. Aircraft are using designated ocean areas near Musgrave Harbour to scoop water for aerial suppression.
However, firefighting efforts are hindered by wind direction and unauthorized drone activity. Minister of Justice and Public Safety John Haggie warned that drone use is a criminal offence during wildfire operations: “Drones in the air mean no water bombers in the air.”
Air Quality Warnings and Health Concerns
Environment Canada has issued an air quality warning for Musgrave Harbour due to dense smoke blanketing the region. Gander currently faces a “moderate risk,” while Grand Falls-Windsor is rated at “low risk.”
The James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre in Gander has increased staffing and support services for both physical and mental health needs. Residents are urged to stay indoors, use air filtration if available, and monitor official updates.
Wildfires Rage Across Newfoundland
The Musgrave Harbour fire is one of several major blazes across Newfoundland. In Chance Harbour, a 1,660-hectare fire remains out of control but has not yet threatened nearby towns. Additional wildfires are active at Nine Island Pond and Northwest Brook.
Winds have, so far, kept the Chance Harbour fire away from Jamestown and Winter Brook. Helicopters continue suppression efforts, with ground crews on standby for safer conditions.
Fire Ban Remains in Effect Province-Wide
A full fire ban remains in place across Newfoundland and Labrador. All open fires are prohibited, and residents are reminded to properly extinguish cigarettes.
“This is a significant and serious issue,” said Minister Haggie. “We are in one of the busiest wildfire seasons in recent memory, and every precaution matters.”
Should the fires escalate further, provincial officials have not ruled out requesting assistance from other provinces.
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