Residents who fled wildfire in central Newfoundland can return home

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This article was published 20/06/2025 (470 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ST. JOHN’S – About 700 people who were forced to flee their homes in central Newfoundland because of a wildfire were cleared to go home on Friday.

The decision to lift the evacuation order for Badger, N.L., was made after it became clear the fire would not jump the river separating the town from the flames, said Newfoundland and Labrador Premier John Hogan. Officials asked Badger residents to evacuate on Wednesday, as the flames roared roughly four kilometres away from the community.

“This is stressful situation for residents,” Hogan told reporters in St. John’s. “You don’t know, is this a day? Is this a week, is this a month? Is this forever?”

The fire began Tuesday, ignited by what officials believe was a lightning strike. It grew quickly, doubling in size in just a day, said Lisa Dempster, the provincial forestry minister. The town declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, shortly before residents were asked to evacuate and drive about 30 kilometres east to Grand Falls-Windsor.

Meals and cots were waiting there for them at a local arena, but Hogan said none of the makeshift beds were used. Everyone from Badger managed to find a place to stay, he said.

The fire near Badger was still burning out of control on Friday. The province’s wildfire dashboard said it encompassed an area of about 11 square kilometres. However, Hogan said it was no longer one “giant” inferno, but a collection of hot spots. Three helicopters and one water bomber were working to douse the flames all day.

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Wildfires forced evacuations in eastern Newfoundland last month and destroyed about 11 homes. Last summer, the Labrador town of Churchill Falls was evacuated because of forest fires.

Dempster said the province will be announcing new funding shortly available for communities to enhance public safety. This could include installing fire breaks or educating kids about fire safety, she said. 

“Given weather patterns, how the world is changing with climate change, we’re certainly stepping up,” Dempster said.

In the meantime, there is a provincewide ban on all outdoor fires. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 20, 2025.