Kingston wildfire grows again, Paddy's Pond fire remains very active

Kingston

Overnight, the Kingston wildfire experienced growth and is now an estimated 6370 hectares. Ground crews will continue to work on fuel breaks at the southern boundary. A fuel break is also being constructed in the Northern Bay area. This will be the third attempt to build a fuel break on the northern portion of the fire. Rapid fire growth and extreme fire behaviour have pushed crews farther north each time.

Air assets will be in the Kingston are,a and ground crews and local fire departments will continue to action the wildfire throughout the day.

Just as we did with the Holyrood fire, as well as with the fires in Chance Harbour and Musgrave Harbour, the distance by air between The Kingston fire and the fire at Paddy’s Pond is not far (less than 100 kms). We are able to move these resources quickly and as requested by the fire behaviour specialists and operations team, focusing on both.

Paddy’s Pond

The Paddy’s Pond fire is very active and the Incident Management Team are utilizing air assets, ground crews, and St. John’s Regional Fire Department to respond continuously today. Construction of fuel breaks are beginning this morning in the three arm pond area.

The Trans-Canada Highway remains closed between the cloverleaf (Pitts Memorial Drive/Outer Ring Road) and Exit 39 (Foxtrap Access Road).

Martin Lake

The Martin Lake wildfire had minimal growth and is approximately 290 hectares. Today, ground crews will be working the southwest edge and equipment will be moved to the northern edge for fuel break construction. 802 air tractors and bucketing helicopters will be providing air suppression.

Holyrood

The Holyrood fire remains classified as Under Control and is holding at 22 hectares in size. Minimal fire behaviour has been observed and the fire is fully contained with hose lines.

Crews are working with support from local fire departments with water supplies to handle any hot spots. Search and Rescue continues to scan for hotspots.

Labrador

The fire 20 km south of Goose Bay did not grow overnight and is 0.5 ha. Ground crews from Happy Valley-Goose Bay will be working on that fire today.