An evacuation order has been issued for the Paddy’s Pond Industrial area including Akita Equipment and surrounding buildings, and float plane hangars.
The Trans Canada Highway has reopened to traffic, however secondary roads in the evacuation area remain closed. Fowlers Road at Peacekeepers Way is also closed to southbound traffic, which heads towards Paddy’s Pond.
(Submitted)
Premier John Hogan provided an update on the fast moving fire this afternoon.
He says the fire started in the area of the pole line just west of Paddy’s Pond this morning, and there were initial fears that the power might have to be cut.
“The fire quickly moved past the transmission lines. Good news that we didn’t have to cut the power, bad news that the fire is moving that fast.” He says the potential remains however that power might be affected by the fire, smoke and firefighting efforts in the area.
NL Hydro says it is monitoring the situation and says there is potential for smoke, fire and fire fighting efforts to affect the power lines serving the greater St. John’s area.
NL Hydro says it’s unlikely, but if multiple lines are affected, it could result in a power outage to St. John’s and surrounding area.
(Submitted Photo)
RNC asking people to stay away
The RNC is advising people to stay clear of the Paddy’s Pond fire area.
RNC Constable James Cadigan says there is increased traffic in the area, mainly due to people trying to get a look, that is hampering fire fighting efforts.
“Things can change quickly,” says Cadigan, “right now, first responders at the scene have advised that there are members of the community who are accessing the area, appearing to just want to see it…or make their way past.” He says they’re asking people to stay away.
Ward 5 Councillor asking people to stay away from Southlands, Galway
Ward 5 Councillor Carl Ridgely is echoing that concern.
He says the situation facing first responders is a serious one, and they don’t need people coming out to have a look and impede their firefighting efforts.
“The biggest advice I can give to everybody in this area right now is to listen to updates on the radio, alerts and everything, but stay away from Southlands, Galway area, so that firefighters, and emergency vehicles and ambulances and whatever else is on the move, can actually get in and do their job.”
Paddy’s Pond fire, August 11, 2025 (submitted)
Earlier story
Forestry officials have issued an evacuation order for the Paddy’s Pond Industrial area including Akita Equipment and surrounding buildings and hangers.
People are being asked to evacuate the area immediately.
A fire broke out this morning in the area of the pole line west of Paddy’s Pond this morning and crews are working on the blaze.
Earlier story
Fire crews are on the scene of a fire along the pole line just west of Paddy’s Pond.
Pictures posted to social media show a large amount of smoke rising from an area near the transmission lines, with no official word on the size or extent of the blaze.
A helicopter is on the scene dousing the flames.
The RNC is asking the public to avoid the area while crews do their work.
