Kingston wildfire in NL and Labrador grows beyond 5,000 hectares, threatening Ochre Pit Cove. Evacuations expand as firefighting crews intensify efforts.
Blaze Intensifies Across Avalon Peninsula
After a weekend of extreme heat and strong winds, the Kingston wildfire in Newfoundland and Labrador has expanded to over 5,000 hectares. Premier John Hogan confirmed in a Sunday 5 p.m. briefing that projections indicate the fire could reach Ochre Pit Cove by Sunday evening.
Structures Damaged in Multiple Communities
Reports confirm additional structures were impacted Saturday and Sunday in Adam’s Cove, Kingston, and Western Bay. Due to smoke and dangerous conditions, officials have not yet verified which buildings were destroyed.
Firefighting Assets Face Delays
Efforts to control the blaze have been hindered by equipment shortages. Two Quebec water bombers were grounded for maintenance, while two from Ontario were delayed by local fire demands. Reinforcements include a high-capacity helicopter from Manitoba, two Quebec water bombers, and a bird dog plane that arrived Saturday.
Full Provincial Fleet in Action
By Sunday evening, Newfoundland and Labrador’s entire water bomber fleet was deployed to the fire’s north end. Additional support includes one bird dog aircraft, five helicopters, two Coast Guard helicopters, and 50 ground crew members. Premier Hogan stressed that firefighter safety remains the top priority.
Regional State of Emergency Declared
A regional state of emergency was declared Saturday for the Bay de Verde peninsula, from Bristol’s Hope to Whiteway. This allows coordinated deployment of municipal and provincial resources. Residents are urged to be ready to evacuate at short notice.
Challenging Weather Conditions Persist
High winds of 30 km/h, with gusts up to 50 km/h, continue to complicate suppression efforts. Provincial fire duty officer Mark Lawlor warned that resources are stretched thin and urged residents to obey the province-wide fire ban. Fines for violations now range from $50,000 to $150,000, with possible jail time.
Expanding Evacuation Zones
Evacuation orders now include:
- Small Point–Adam’s Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove
- Western Bay
- Salmon Cove
- Kingston
- Perry’s Cove
- Ochre Pit Cove
- Burnt Point–Gull Island–Northern Bay
Advisories remain in effect for cabins along the Bay d’Espoir Highway, including Great Rattling Brook and Rushy Pond.
Other Wildfire Activity in Labrador
While a fire near Happy Valley–Goose Bay has been extinguished, crews are responding to another blaze 19 km south of the town. The Martin Lake fire remains out of control at 245 hectares, with suppression focused on its southwestern edge.
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