ST. JOHN'S — Newfoundland and Labrador's largest wildfire may have destroyed up to 100 homes and structures, though it is still too dangerous for crews to get into the area for an accurate tally, officials said Thursday.
The fire near Kingston, N.L., along the northeast coast of Conception Bay, has grown to more than 80 square kilometres since it erupted almost two weeks ago, Premier John Hogan told reporters. As of Thursday morning, the flames had reached Northern Bay, a popular destination for locals and tourists because of its stretch of sandy beaches.
"Again, I need to be very clear that it is next to impossible to determine how many structures have been lost due to the extreme fire behaviour and the smoke and the danger of trying to make that assessment right now," he said in St. John's.
"When we get through this, we will be able to accurately assess what has been damaged and what has been lost in these communities."
There were four wildfires burning out of control across Newfoundland and Labrador on Thursday, as much of Atlantic Canada grapples with persistent heat and drought-like conditions.
Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and rain were in the forecast for St. John's Thursday, which could help crews as they battle a wildfire on the outskirts of the city near Paddy's Pond, Hogan said. Though videos on social media suggest the flames had abated somewhat, Jamie Chippett, deputy forestry minister, said the fire was still burning hot in the ground.
The outlook is optimistic, he said, adding, "but still not at a point where we're talking about this thing being held or under control."
People in parts of the St. John’s suburb of Paradise were evacuated Tuesday, while thousands of others have been asked to be ready to leave their homes on a moment’s notice.
A fire 16 kilometres south of Grand Falls-Windsor, in central Newfoundland, had shut down the only highway connecting the southern Connaigre Peninsula with the rest of the province. Known as the Martin's Lake fire, it had grown to grown to over 21 square kilometres, Hogan said.
A 100-metre-wide fire break constructed along the power transmission line in 2022 runs about 11 kilometres long. He said it’s hoped the break will provide some “relief and safety” as the fire approaches.
“Unfortunately we do have reports that cabins are likely impacted but everyone is safe, but there is extreme smoky (fire) behaviour in this part of the province so we can’t confirm the number of lost structures," he said.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary said officers arrested a 20-year-old man for allegedly setting a series of brush fires in downtown St. John's on Tuesday night. The man was scheduled to appear in court on charges of arson with disregard of human life.
Hogan said the man will also be hit with three $50,000 fines for breaking the provincewide fire ban.
Meanwhile in Nova Scotia, an out-of-control wildfire in the Annapolis Valley has prompted the evacuation of some residents in the West Dalhousie area. The County of Annapolis issued a mandatory evacuation order Wednesday morning, but it was unclear how many homes and businesses have been affected.
In New Brunswick, officials said Thursday they were investigating the possibility that "multiple" fires broke out overnight because of lighting strikes. The province says there are 15 active fires in New Brunswick, with four out of control.
On Wednesday, officials said a wildfire outside Moncton near Irishtown had been contained, and an evacuation advisory had been lifted.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 14, 2025.
Sarah Smellie, The Canadian Press
