Wildfire Afternoon Update for Thursday, August 14, 2025: 2:30 PM

The Paddy’s Pond fire is still a very active fire. The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture advised that weather conditions are favourable today (August 14) and that water bombers, a bird dog aircraft, bucketing helicopters, Coast Guard helicopters, and ground crews are working on the fire.

There is no change to the Three Island Pond Evacuation Order – the affected area remains evacuated, and residents are not permitted back to their homes at this time. Those who evacuated their homes, if they haven’t already done so, must register with the Canadian Red Cross. This can be done by phone (1-800-863-6582),  online www.redcross.ca/2025NewfoundlandWildfires or in-person at Admiral’s Academy, 835 Conception Bay Highway.

On behalf of the Provincial Government, the Canadian Red Cross is distributing a one-time emergency financial assistance of $500 to eligible households ordered to be evacuated from their primary residence due to a wildfire. Evacuated households must register with the Canadian Red Cross to apply.

The Evacuation Preparedness Alert remains in place for the area of Paradise on the south side of Topsail Road from the Outer Ring Road exit to CBS boundary. Residents are advised to be prepared to leave their homes on short notice. If an evacuation order is issued, residents will not be able to return to their homes and should plan accordingly.

To prepare for evacuation:

•  Gather important documents, prescription medications, and emergency supplies
•  Pack a go bag with your essentials to sustain you for at least 72 hours (clothing, food, water, device chargers)
•  Keep the gas tank of your vehicle at least half full
•  Stay informed through official updates

Stress and emotional reactions are normal during wildfires. Children can also have trouble with uncertainty. NL Health Services has provided the following information to access support:

• 811 Mental Health and Addictions Line – Urgent mental health, substance use and addictions support and support in a mental health crisis 24/7.
• Lifewise Warm Line – 1-855-753-2560 | Peer support from those who understand.
• Bridge the Gapp – bridgethegapp.ca | Mental health resources and supports.
• 211 NL – www.nl.211.ca
• Kids Help Phone – Call 1-800-668-6868 | Youth can text 686868

The Provincial Government has implemented a province-wide restriction on all off-road vehicles on forested land. The temporary restriction on off-road vehicles will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m., Sunday, August 17, 2025, when it will be reviewed based on the forecasted wildfire index and fire behaviours.

With the wildfires, residents may be experiencing smoke in parts of Town. NL Health Services encourages residents monitor air quality reports and use care when spending time outdoors. They suggest you can keep the air in your home clean by keeping windows and doors closed, turn off air exchangers, limit use of exhaust fans (kitchen, bathroom and dryer), and ensure your heat pump does not draw outdoor air.

The regional State of Emergency is still in place, and it enables the province to coordinate provincial and municipal services and access resources in the area to support the wildfires. This DOES NOT change the Three Island Pond Evacuation Order or the area for the Evacuation Preparedness Alert.

Residents are reminded to sign-up for the Town’s Resident Notification System, visit paradise.ca for all the details

We encourage residents to continue to monitor the Government of Newfoundland’s website page for updates. In addition, the Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture NL provides daily updates on the status of the Paddy’s Pond wildfire.

The Town will continue to support the work to deal with the Paddy’s Pond Fire and provide another  update this evening.