Wildfire Update — August 17, 2025

Written By Eddie Sheerr

Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture, Newfoundland and Labrador (FFA NL) issued an update on the wildfire situation at 8 PM Saturday evening (August 16, 2025). While the change in the weather allowed for the ability to work on the fires, all three are still burning and remain listed as out-of-control.

Quick Highlights

  • Kingston Fire (9,519 hectares): though growth has been minimal. The southern edge is still active, producing heavy smoke.

  • Paddy’s Pond Fire: No growth Saturday. All alerts tied to this fire have now been lifted.

  • Martin Lake Fire (2,160 hectares): Crews focusing on cabin areas at Rushy Pond and Martin Lake.

  • Route 360 reopened today for escorted traffic and will open again Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

  • Weather conditions — lighter easterly winds — are expected to aid suppression efforts on Sunday.

The Full Update

The Kingston wildfire remains active and is still estimated at approximately 9,519 hectares. While there was little overall growth, the southern edge of the fire was quite active Saturday, generating heavy smoke in the area. This part of the fire as clearly visible from the Heart’s Content Barrens last night and I received several photos of the fire from that vantage point.

The Kingston Fire (NL) as viewed from the Heart’s Content Barrens Saturday night (Aug. 16, 2025). Credit: Kyra Martin

Six water bombers — from both the province and Ontario — worked throughout the day alongside two heavy-capacity helicopters and three light helicopters conducting bucket operations.

For the first time in several days, northerly winds cleared smoke from the Northern Bay area, allowing ground crews to work without interruption. The Canadian Armed Forces and local volunteer fire departments continued scanning for hot spots and providing structure protection. Officials report that the fuel break to the north is now complete, stretching more than four kilometres.

In Perry’s Cove, the established fuel break is holding, though the fire was burning along the coastline there Satruday evening. A heavy-capacity helicopter will be assigned to that sector today, and a sprinkler line has been set up to protect nearby structures. Weather is expected to work in crews’ favour, as light easterly winds in the forecast should help limit fire growth and aid suppression efforts.

The Paddy’s Pond wildfire did not grow Saturday. It remains active, but ground crews — including the Canadian Armed Forces — continued fuel break construction and hot spot suppression. All alerts related to this fire have now been lifted.

The Martin Lake wildfire remains at 2,160 hectares and is still active. Despite a morning delay in aerial suppression due to low ceilings, crews were able to continue operations with a waterbomber, bird dog aircraft, bucketing helicopters, and 802 air tractors. In aviation, a low ceiling refers to the base of the clouds being close to the ground, which reduces visibility and the safe maneuvering space for aircraft. For wildfire suppression, this can delay or ground water bombers and helicopters because they need clear sightlines and altitude to safely drop water or retardant near active fire zones. Ground efforts Saturday were focused on protecting cabin areas at Rushy Pond and Martin Lake.

Meanwhile, Route 360 reopened temporarily for escorted traffic and will open again from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday.

Officials stress that suppression work continues on all fronts, and improving weather conditions should provide some relief for firefighters in the days ahead.

I’ll pass along the latest updates as soon as I can when they come out later today.

Eddie Sheerr
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Wildfire Update: Progress but Challenges Remain — August 16, 2025