Community Evacuation Update

Town of Small Point, Broad Cove, Blackhead, Adam's Cove

Update for Evacuated Residents – August 11, 2025, 11:00

Dear Residents of Burnt Point, Gull Island, Northern Bay, Ochre Pit Cove, Western Bay, Small Point to Adams Cove, Kingston, Perry’s Cove and Salmon Cove.

Key Messages

  • For those residents that have home insurance, they are advised to contact their insurance company and open a claim. Some policies provide support to policy holders for expenses incurred during the evacuation. As a reminder, please be on alert to the recently reported insurance scam.
  • There have been a number of reports of structure losses at various locations on the North Shore. We recognize that this type of news is difficult to hear and adds to the stress and uncertainty that is experienced by evacuees. When it is safe to do so and with the support of partner organizations, a precise assessment will be conducted, and property owners identified. Those property owners will be communicated with individually with a view toward providing appropriate supports at the time. While we appreciate that unofficial information is coming out of the fire scene, it is unnecessarily distressing evacuees.
  • If you have not already registered, it is important that you do so immediately at the reception center at Carbonear Academy or by calling 709-729-0921.

Current Status

  • The size of the fire is now at 5236 hectares representing very little growth since yesterday.
  • The fire departments report that there were no new structural losses overnight. Helicopters with buckets are supporting the structural firefighters. While this is good news, this will again be a challenging day due to current weather conditions.
  • Power to Ochre Pit Cove was cut yesterday to support firefighting efforts and maintain the safety of our firefighters.
  • Water bombers will continue to focus their efforts on the northern edge of the fire, with additional support directed to the southern perimeter as needed based on evolving conditions.
  • On the Southern perimeter, work continued to remove fuel and expand the size of the fuel break along the sections constructed by heavy equipment.
  • The Canadian Armed Forces are supplying additional wildland firefighters. Numbers will increase from 40 to 80.
  • Evacuation orders remain in effect for all affected areas. PLEASE RESPECT THE BOUNDARIES INCLUDING THE TRAILS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ENTER THE EVACUATION ZONE ON AN ATV.
  • There is no timeline for return
  • The reception center at Carbonear Academy remains open and staffed; residents are encouraged to utilize this facility for support and resources. The center is not just for shelter.
  • Essential supplies, including food, water, personal hygiene items, clothes and medical services, are being provided at the site.

Safety Reminders

  • Follow all instructions from emergency personnel.
  • Keep personal identification and essential items with you at all times.
  • Reach out to reception center staff for any support you may need.

If you feel unsafe at any time, please approach center staff.

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