The provincial government has lifted the evacuation order for the communities of Kingston, and Small Point-Broad Cove-Blackhead-Adam’s Cove.

The evacuation order was issued soon after the fire that became known as the Kingston Fire started on August 3rd.

That means people in those communities can return, but an evacuation alert remains in place for the time-being.

A portion of the Conception Bay Highway, from Perry’s Cove to Adam’s Cove has reopened as a result. The road remains closed from Western Bay to Northern Bay.

While it is safe to return, people are being reminded that there is still an active wildfire in the area and there may be crews and equipment in the area working on hot spots.

Non-residents are being asked to stay away at this time to give people the space and privacy needed to return to their homes and properties.

Food Services

As local grocery stores may not be open, residents are encouraged to shop for essential food and supplies before heading back. There will be a Salvation Army food truck at the Comfort Centre.

There are several other important notes for residents:

A Comfort Centre has been set up at the Salem Centre in Small Point with supports available for returning residents, including food and cleanup kits. It will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.

The Salvation Army will be on site with their food truck to provide water and food.

The following communications materials will also be available at the Comfort Centre:

• Returning Home Safely After a Wildfire, a detailed guide for residents returning to their homes after being evacuated due to a wildfire.
• A one-pager on detailed insurance information.
• A detailed household inventory/checklist, developed by the Canadian Red Cross.
• A one-pager with important contact information.

Clean up kits are also available to residents. They will include things like gloves, garbage bags, cleaning wipes, cleaners, masks, and a mop and bucket..

Garbage Disposal/Appliances

Waste-disposal bins are located in Small Point-Broad Cove-Blackhead-Adam’s Cove at:

• Broad Cove Church
• Broad Cove Beach
• The Old Highway, Small Point
• Birch Hill Road, Small Point
• Main Highway, Blackhead
• Municipal Depot, Adam’s Cove

In Kingston, the waste disposal bins will be located on Marsh Road.

Residents can dispose of household waste (e.g. spoiled food) at those locations.

However, items NOT permitted in waste bins include:

• Animal carcasses
• Yard / construction materials
• Hazardous materials
• Appliances

There are drop off areas next to the waste disposal bins for spoiled appliances (fridges, freezers, etc.). Spoiled appliances MUST be emptied of all contents prior to drop-off at the disposal site. Appliances with contents will NOT be accepted.

Residents who are unable to bring appliances to the disposal bin area are asked to leave them at the entrance to their property to be collected.  Those who need help moving appliances out of their homes can call 709-729-0921.

Communications

Landlines and internet access have been affected by the firee. Damage assessments are ongoing, and complete restoration will take some time.

In the meantime, a “COW” (Cell on Wheels) will be put in place by Bell Communications, to enhance cellular services. A Starlink Satellite Service System is also in place at the Comfort Centre.

RCMP and ground search and rescue volunteers will be driving through the communities, 24/7 for anyone that may require assistance.

Water Information

Non-Consumption Order

A Non-Consumption Advisory has been issued for all public drinking water systems in the Town of Small Point-Broad Cove-Blackhead-Adam’s Cove including the following systems:

• #1 Well – Reg Bursey’s Well
• #4 Well – Leonard King’s Well
• #6 Well – Herb Trickett’s Well
• #8 Well – Effie Flight’s Wells
• #9 Well – Walter Reynolds’ Well
• #10 Well – Cantwood Hill Well

 

Water Testing for Private Wells

Residents with private wells in areas affected by wildfire or fire suppressants are asked NOT to drink, cook, or brush teeth with well water until the well is inspected, disinfected, and tested. Chemical and bacterial testing is recommended.

 

Chemical Testing

For residents in Perry’s Cove, Kingston, Small Point-Broad Cove- Blackhead-Adam’s Cove, Western Bay, Ochre Pit Cove, and Northern Bay (south of Northern Bay Brook Bridge), enhanced chemical water sampling of private wells will be conducted by the Water Resources Management Division, Department of Environment and Climate Change.

Residents in those areas can arrange for water sampling, free of charge, by using the Online Form: www.gov.nl.ca/forms/ecc/private-well-sampling-request/, calling 709-729-2539 or 709-729-1671, or emailing groundwatersection@gov.nl.ca.

For residents in Burnt Point, Gull Island, Salmon Cove, or Northern Bay (north of Northern Bay Brook Bridge) private chemical well testing kits (bottles in white bubble envelope) can be picked up and dropped off during the Labour Day weekend at the Splash Centre in Harbour Grace until 4:00 p.m. Monday. Otherwise, kits can be picked up and dropped off at the Bay Roberts Government Service Centre during regular business hours. Instructions are included in the kits.

Bacteriological testing

Bacteriological Water Test Kits (bottle in clear bag) can be picked up and dropped off during the Labour Day weekend at the Splash Centre in Harbour Grace until 4:00 p.m. Monday. Otherwise, kits can be picked up and dropped off at the Bay Roberts Government Service Centre, Monday through Wednesday, during regular business hours. Instructions are included in the kits.

Safe alternate sources of water for drinking, cooking and consumption should be used until water testing shows satisfactory results.

Bottled water or sources known to be safe would be acceptable. Household water can still be used for washing, cleaning, and other household uses. Alternate water sources should be used for bathing or showering if the water has an unusual appearance or odour.