A serious and frightening incident is playing out this hour at Five Wing Goose Bay.

A State of Emergency has been declared in Happy Valley-Goose Bay amid concerns over a possible explosion as the result of an uncontrolled fire on the base affecting a number of buildings on the north, or Canadian side of the base.

Mayor George Andrews says residents in the area are being asked to evacuate. The SPCA is located in the same area. Bonnie Learning of the SPCA confirmed their animals have been evacuated.

Mayor Andrews says a number of explosions have been reported in the area.

The situation will continue to be monitored and while residents of the north side and Canadian side have been evacuated, there is no concern for residents of Spruce Park at this time.

The town is providing regular updates via its facebook page.

Efforts are underway to extinguish the blaze, but the fire has spread to an area containing explosive material and an explosion is expected according to authorities.

A number of streets are directly affected. They include: Halifax Street, Toronto Street, WInnipeg Street, Ottawa Avenue and London Street.

People who need help to evacuate are being asked to call 709-896-3084.

Residents are being asked to stay at least 1 km away from the area from the end of the airport to the docks. Homeowners are being asked not to check on their properties in the interest of public safety.

RCMP will provide further details as they become available.

I just spoke with MHA @PerryTrimper and offered full support to Mayor Andrews. Residents of @Town_HVGB Happy Valley – Goose Bay, please see the below for important information on the state of emergency. We will be there to help in any way we can. https://t.co/6uJJ17ITtK

— Premier of NL (@PremierofNL) April 20, 2024