Lake Melville MHA Perry Trimper told VOCM News late Friday night that the fire broke out in a ceramic shop on the base and as crews from the town, 5 Wing Goose Bay and SERCO, were attending to the scene, the fire had spread to the abandoned air traffic tower.

A command centre has been set up at the town hall, and the north side, which is mainly made up of abandoned industrial buildings, has been evacuated.

Many of the buildings involved date to the Second World War and are dilapidated, but others have been kept up and used for storage.

A number of explosions have already occurred, and while officials are monitoring the situation, they are allowing the fire to burn itself out.

“It’s not something you want to get too close to. So, we’re staying back and monitoring, keeping the public updated and making sure everybody’s safe right now.”

The airport is closed for the time being, but Trimper is hopeful once the fire burns out the airport will be able to get back up and running. Regular updates are being provided through the town.

Listen to the full conversation with MHA Perry Trimper