Newfoundlanders forced to flee destructive wildfires can now return home

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This article was published 09/05/2025 (509 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ST. JOHN’S – Officials have lifted evacuation orders in eastern Newfoundland, allowing people to return to their communities after wildfires destroyed several homes earlier this week.

The provincial Department of Justice and Public Safety says the evacuation orders imposed Wednesday in Western Bay and the amalgamated town of Small Point—Adam’s Cove — Blackhead — Broad Cove are over effective immediately.

Local states of emergency have also come to an end.

The Adam’s Cove fire began Wednesday on the western shore of Conception Bay, about 45 kilometres northwest of the provincial capital of St. John’s.

Officials said Thursday the flames had destroyed more than 20 structures, including homes, sheds and garages.

The fire was declared contained on Thursday afternoon, and the province’s wildfire dashboard says its size is holding steady at about five square kilometres.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 9, 2025.