Wildfire Update for Saturday, August 16, 2025: 12:00 PM

The following will be the Town’s only update on its fire response for Saturday, August 16, unless there is a significant change in the status of the Paddy’s Pond Fire. The Town’s next update will be issued by 12 noon on Sunday, August 17, 2025. 

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture advises that the Paddy’s Pond wildfire experienced no overnight growth, but remains very smoky. The Canadian Armed Forces and wildland fire ground crews will continue fuel break construction and hot spot suppression. Helicopters with buckets will provide air support. The fire is still considered an Active Fire. 

The Evacuation Order for the Three Island Pond Area was lifted effective 12:15 PM on Friday, August 15, 2025. Residents who were evacuated can return to their homes. The reception centre and emergency shelter at Admiral’s Academy is now closed but remains prepared to be reactivated if needed.  

As the fire is Paddy’s Pond fire is still considered Active, the Evacuation Preparedness Alert remains in place for a portion of Paradise, on the south side of Topsail Road from the Outer Ring Road exit to CBS boundary, including the Three Island Pond area. Residents are reminded to continue 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

Residents with mobility needs who will require assistance relocating in the event of an Evacuation Order and do not have private transportation, should register with the Town. This will allow emergency services to plan dispatch of accessible resources in the event of an Evacuation Order. Visit paradise.ca/mobilityassistance to register. 

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 area for the Evacuation Preparedness Alert.

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. 

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.