Evacuation Order Lifted for the Areas of Burnt Point-Gull Island and a Portion of Northern Bay, Alerts Remain in Place

Written By Eddie Sheerr

The Provincial Government has lifted the evacuation order for Burnt Point, Gull Island, and the portion of Northern Bay north of the Northern Bay Brook Bridge. Residents in these areas can now return home effective immediately.

However, the rest of Northern Bay remains under an evacuation order, and a roadblock will be in place at the Northern Bay Brook Bridge to restrict traffic into those areas.

⚠️ Important: Burnt Point, Gull Island, and the northern section of Northern Bay remain under an evacuation alert. Residents are asked to keep roadways clear and limit travel to local traffic only.

A regional state of emergency also remains in effect for a portion of the Bay de Verde Peninsula, stretching from Bristol’s Hope to Whiteway (the entire Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde electoral district).

Welcome Centre for Returning Residents

A Welcome Centre has been set up at the AYLA Centre, 2 Critches Road, Lower Island Cove.

  • Open until 10:00 p.m. tonight and 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on August 24

  • The Salvation Army will provide food and refreshments

  • Support staff, including mental health services from NL Health, will be on site

  • Masks, gloves, garbage bags, and information on clean-up and food disposal will be available

Garbage Disposal and Appliances

  • Waste disposal bins are available at the entrance of Engine Mill Road, Burnt Point for spoiled food and household waste.

  • Not permitted: animal carcasses, yard/construction debris, hazardous materials.

  • Appliances (fridges, freezers, etc.) can be dropped near the waste bins or placed at the end of properties for collection.

  • For assistance moving waste, call 709-729-0921.

Transportation Support

Buses are available for residents needing transport back to Burnt Point–Gull Island and the cleared section of Northern Bay.

  • Departing from Carbonear Academy (last bus leaves at 6:30 p.m.)

  • Register in person at Carbonear Academy

  • For special assistance, call 709-729-0921

  • Pets must be in a carrier or crate

Water Safety

Residents are advised not to drink, cook, or brush teeth with well water until it has been inspected, disinfected, and tested.

  • Contact the Department of Environment and Climate Change at groundwatersection@gov.nl.ca or call 709-729-2539 / 709-729-1671

  • Safe alternatives (bottled water, known safe sources) should be used until testing confirms water quality

  • Household water can be used for cleaning, but use alternate water for bathing if it appears or smells unusual

  • Questions can also be directed to water@gov.nl.ca

For official updates and wildfire information, visit:
👉 Government of Newfoundland and Labrador News Release
👉 NL Alerts
👉 Follow Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on Facebook and X

Eddie Sheerr
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