Emergency Alerts

Active: Wildfire in Paddy's Pond Area

On Monday, August 11, wildfire crews and the St. John's Regional Fire Department were called to respondto a wildfire at Thomas Pond, near Paddy’s Pond south, which is within the City of St. John’s jurisdiction. The fire is approximately 300 hectares.

This page has been set up to share the latest information and resources on the following:

Latest Update
Evacuation Alerts & Orders
Advisories and Road Closures
Air Quality
Impact to 2025 Canada Games
Volunteers & Supports
Emergency Preparedness Tips
Accessibility Information

Mental Health Support

Fire Ban

For the most up to date information on the wildfires, visit www.gov.nl.ca/alerts and follow the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on Facebook and on X.

The SJRFD services St. John's, Mount Pearl and Paradise. Residents in those areas should monitor the Mount Pearl and Paradise websites for updates, which are linked below:

Latest Update - August 16 - 3 p.m.

The Evacuation Preparedness Alert for the Paddy’s Pond Industrial, Galway and Southlands areas has been lifted. The alert in our neighbouring communities in Paradise and CBS has also been lifted. Please note that Fowler's Road will remain closed to traffic as work continues in that area. Local traffic will be permitted.

The Paddy’s Pond wildfire experienced no overnight growth, but remains very smoky. The Canadian Armed Forces and wildland fire ground crews will continue fuel break construction and hot spot suppression. Helicopters with buckets will provide air support.

There were cooler temperatures and rain overnight which supported efforts.

We are devastated to see the destruction caused by the Kingston Fire. Our thoughts are with the residents, property owners, and all those affected by the damage. The SJRFD is now in a position to provide additional resources to support firefighting efforts in CBN. We remain ready to help in any way needed and will continue working closely with the Province to identify where we can make the most impact.

Further information will be provided as it becomes available. Please ensure you continue to monitor the advisories section below for information as well. Stay safe, stay informed, and monitor local updates for changes.

Evacuation Orders & Alerts

Follow the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for the latest updates at gov.nl.ca/alerts.

There are currently no orders or alerts active due to this fire.

Advisories & Road Closures

Road Closure: Please be advised that the southern portion of Fowler’s Road is closed today as ground crews continue suppression efforts on the Paddy’s Pond fire. We will update the public once the road has reopened. Local traffic will be permitted.
Temporary Off-Road Vehicle Restriction in Effect: a province-wide restriction on off-road vehicle use in forested areas is now in effect across Newfoundland and Labrador. This measure is necessary to protect communities and ensure public safety. The restriction applies in areas where the Fire Weather Index is high, very high, or extreme, and will remain in place until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2025, when it will be reviewed. For full details, including definitions, maps, and updates are available in the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's press release.
Provincial Government Water Advisory: We have received some questions about water restrictions related to the fires announced by the Provincial Government. Residents in Paradise, Conception Bay South, Southlands, and Galway included in the present evacuation alert are not included in the advisory. Public drinking water systems in the City of St. John’s are not impacted. Questions related to Water Resources can be directed to water@gov.nl.ca.

Air Quality

As a result of the fire, there may be drifting smoke into St. John’s and surrounding areas, reducing air quality levels.

Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed and to turn off air exchangers and HVAC units to help reduce indoor smoke exposure. Please contact 811 or see a health-care provider if you experience any concerning symptoms related to smoke exposure such as a severe cough, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and/or wheezing.

Air quality warnings have been issued for St. John's and vicinity and residents are reminded to continue to monitor active air quality statements.

Impacts to the 2025 Canada Games

The Host Society and National Sport Organizations continue to assess the situation closely and update the sport schedule as needed. For all updates, download the free 2025 Canada Games app on the Apple App Store or Google Play or visit the news section of the 2025 Canada Games website.

We are pleased to share that Beach Volleyball at Paradise Park and Box Lacrosse at the Paradise Double Ice Complex are now open to spectators again.

Volunteers & Support

We greatly appreciate the offers of help from residents and community groups as crews work to manage the wildfire near Paddy’s Pond. At this time, volunteers and additional supplies are not required by the City. The best way to support the response is to follow official updates, avoid the area, and allow emergency crews to work safely and efficiently.

Should volunteers or support be required, this would be coordinated through partnering agencies. If you are looking for ways to provide support, please reach out to the Salvation Army and Canadian Red Cross.

The provincial government has set up a dedicated email for people to contact if they have resources that could be used to help with the wildfire response - forestfires2025@gov.nl.ca.

Emergency Preparedness

Residents are asked to take steps to ensure their own personal safety. Residents should always have a basic emergency kit available and be prepared for at least 72 hours, with food, water, batteries, a portable radio, important documents and prescription medications. Visit gov.nl.ca/beprepared for more information on emergency preparedness.

For individuals with disabilities, additional planning is important to ensure safety before, during, and after an emergency. The Government of Canada's Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities/Special Needs is a great resource to help with preparedness.

Property owners can also protect their homes, neighborhoods, and communities from the threat of wildland fire by creating defensible space around their properties, including:

Maintaining a five-foot (1.5 metre) non-combustible zone immediately around your home.
Cleaning out and screening gutters to prevent debris.
Using fire-resistant roofing materials on homes.
Cleaning underneath decks and enclosing them to prevent them from filling with debris.
Placing firewood piles away from your home.
Trimming grass and weeds.
Using FireSmart-approved vegetation when landscaping.

Fire Smart also has great resources, including a Wildfire Evacuation Preparedness Check List.

Accessibility Information

We also encourage creating a personal support network. Ask three (3) people that you trust to help you in an emergency – if possible, one (1) person should be outside of your region in the event of a regional emergency. Share your emergency plan, emergency kit location and how to access to your home with them.

In the case of an evacuation, follow official instructions and connect with your support network. The City will work with partnering agencies to facilitate transportation for those who do not own a vehicle, have alternate arrangements or have mobility issues. Those who require assistance will be asked to contact Access St. John's by dialing 311 or 709-754-CITY (2489). Individuals who are Deaf, have hearing or speech impairments and are unable to make a voice call, should contact 911 to initiate Text 911 (T911). Please note you must be registered for T911. Learn more about Text with 911 - 911 Division.

Accommodations for those who have had to leave their homes is prioritized for seniors and persons with disabilities/special needs.

Other Helpful Resources:

Inclusive Emergency Planning Guide

RNC Voluntary Autism Registry – ASNL

Autism Society of NL’s Social Story - Being Prepared for an Evacuation

GoBus Accessible Transit – 709-368-8887

Access - St Johns – dial 311 or 754 2489 (CITY)

Bursey’s Bussing, CBS – 709-834-5510

Directory of Disability Organizations

Emergency preparedness and older adults - Government of Canada

SeniorsNL

Connections for Seniors

Mental Health Support

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, need support, or are looking for health information, call 811.

If you are feeling anxious and alone, you can also call the Lifewise Provincial Warm Line at 1-855-753-2560 seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to midnight NDT, to speak with a trained peer support worker who is there and ready to listen.

You can also visit Bridge the Gapp to access age-appropriate programs and services that are available locally, confidential and free.

Fire Ban

A Provincial Fire Ban is in place until September 7, which means:

No open fires permitted, including those with a permit
No outdoor wood-burning appliances permitted
Propane appliances and charcoal/propane BBQs are permitted only if the units are not used within 3.5 metres of any trees, brush or other flammable material. Coals used while barbecuing, or as part of any other burning unit, must be extinguished before being safely discarded.
A province-wide restriction on off-road vehicle use in forested areas is now in effect across Newfoundland and Labrador. This measure is necessary to protect communities and ensure public safety. The restriction will remain in place until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2025, when it will be reviewed. For full details, including definitions, maps, and updates are available in the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's press release.

If you witness unauthorized burning activity, please contact Access St. John’s by calling 311 or (709) 754-CITY (2489), email access@stjohns.ca or submit an inquiry online. If the fire you are reporting poses an immediate safety concern, call 911 immediately.

Residents are reminded to regularly check the Provincial Fire Hazard Map provided by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture and follow the associated guidelines to practice fire safety. Learn more about these guidelines on our Fire Prevention webpage.