Home / Disasters and Accidents / Newfoundland Wildfires Rage On as Cooler Weather Brings Cautious Optimism
Newfoundland Wildfires Rage On as Cooler Weather Brings Cautious Optimism
14 Aug
Summary
- Incoming rain and lower temperatures expected to aid firefighting efforts
- Heavy capacity helicopter arrives to assist with water drops
- Evacuation orders expanded as Martin Lake fire continues to grow
As of August 14th, 2025, the wildfire situation in Newfoundland and Labrador remains critical, but firefighters are cautiously optimistic that a change in weather conditions will aid their efforts. According to the provincial fire duty officer, Mark Lawlor, the forecast for rainfall, cooling temperatures, and higher relative humidity is expected to "most certainly" help firefighting operations.
The arrival of a heavy capacity helicopter that can carry 4,000 liters of water is also seen as a boon for the firefighting efforts. Lawlor stated that the helicopter will be utilized on Thursday morning to support ground crews. While the Paddy's Pond fire is still considered out of control, it did not grow overnight, which Lawlor described as a "good story."
However, the situation remains challenging, as the Kingston fire has grown to around 6,500 hectares, and the Martin Lake fire has doubled in size and moved north, crossing Great Rattling Brook. Evacuation orders have been expanded to include the Paradise Lake area, in addition to the previously affected communities.
Premier John Hogan is scheduled to provide a wildfire update at 10 a.m. NT, as the province continues to grapple with the ongoing crisis. The provincial fire hazard map still considers most of Newfoundland at an extreme risk of fire, with Labrador facing moderate to extreme risk as well.
