Homes destroyed, people fleeing as wildfires rage in eastern Newfoundland

ST. JOHN’S — More people are fleeing their homes this morning as wildfires rage in Newfoundland along the western shore of Conception Bay, about 45 kilometres northeast of St. John’s.

Local resident Gerry Rogers says about a dozen homes have been destroyed since the fire broke out yesterday afternoon.

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Rogers was emotional this morning as she quickly packed her belongings in her home in the amalgamated town of Small Point-Adam’s Cove-Blackhead-Broad Cove, N.L.

She said it felt cruel and ironic to watch the flames approach while surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Officials with the municipality of about 415 people declared a state of emergency last night just after 10 p.m. local time.

Rogers says the fire began yesterday afternoon and advanced quickly toward nearby homes.

The province’s wildfire dashboard shows two out-of-control fires burning in the region, and officials have set up several emergency centres for people who can’t get back to their homes because of the flames.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 8, 2025.

The Canadian Press