August 12, 2025 – Evening Weather & Wildfire Update

Written By Eddie Sheerr

CORRECTION: IN THE VIDEO I MENTIONED THAT NORTHERN BAY MAY HAVE TO EVACUATE. THAT AREA IS ALREADY EVACUATED. THESE AREAS OF CBN ARE UNDER EVACUATION ORDERS:

Small Point–Adam’s Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove, Kingston, Western Bay, Perry’s Cove, Ochre Pit Cove, Salmon Cove, Burnt Point-Gull Island-Northern Bay 

Visit www.gov.nl.ca/alerts for a list of the current areas under mandatory evacuations and evacuation notices.

I’m tracking multiple wildfires across the island today, with the Kingston fire remaining the most serious. According to Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture NL, it’s now estimated at 6,370 hectares. Crews continue building a fuel break on the southern boundary near Salmon Cove, while work is underway on a third attempt to construct one near Northern Bay. Rapid growth and extreme fire behaviour have pushed crews back in earlier efforts. Air support and local fire departments are working alongside ground crews.

The fire burned into Ochre Pit Cove last night, and while Northern Bay is not yet under an evacuation order, winds shifting north tomorrow and Thursday could change that quickly. Please monitor for new orders or notices and be ready to act.

The Paddy’s Pond fire has also expanded significantly on its southern side today. If it continues on its current path, it could threaten Galway and Southlands, and potentially Paradise and CBS if it pushes further north. Those areas — along with parts of St. John’s — are now under evacuation notices. This means you must be prepared to leave immediately if an order is issued.

SHORTLY AFTER 5 PM THE THREE ISLAND POND AREA OF PARADISE WAS ORDERED TO EVACUATE. And a Regional State of Emergency was declared for parts of the Metro Region.



The Martin Lake Fire earlier today. Credit: Mariah Faith

The Martin Lake wildfire saw minimal growth and is now approximately 290 hectares. Crews are working the southwest edge today, with equipment moving to the northern edge to build a fuel break. 802 air tractors and bucketing helicopters will provide aerial suppression.

A new fire was reported today in Spaniard’s Bay, prompting an evacuation order for parts of Browns Road. Crews have been using helicopters and a water bomber to action the flames.

Weather factors
Today’s hot, dry and breezy conditions have created perfect conditions for rapid fire spread. Temperatures reached 29°C in St. John’s and 34°C in Gander, with humidity low enough to make the air feel parched. West winds gusting over 40 km/h have been pushing the flames east.

The next few days may bring some relief. Humidity will rise starting tomorrow, reaching 50–60% in some areas by Thursday and Friday, which should help slow fire growth. Temperatures will still be warm — mid to upper 20s — but not as extreme as today. There’s also a chance of showers by Thursday night into Friday for eastern Newfoundland, though amounts look light.

Wind direction will be key. As southerly winds develop tomorrow, fires will be pushed north, increasing the risk for CBS and Paradise. Winds are expected to shift again by Friday or Saturday.

Air quality and alerts
Smoke from the Kingston and Patty’s Pond fires is affecting air quality across the Avalon, with warnings in place for St. John’s and surrounding areas. Heat warnings remain for much of Newfoundland and parts of Labrador, where humidex values have climbed into the mid to upper 30s.

In the tropics, Tropical Storm Erin continues to strengthen and may become a major hurricane later this week. It’s too soon to know if it will influence our weather next week, but it’s something I’m watching closely.

Stay safe, follow official evacuation instructions, and be prepared to leave if needed. I’ll have updates across all my channels as the situation develops.

Eddie Sheerr
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WILDFIRE UPDATE | AUGUST 12, 2025