‘Out of control’ wildfire hits areas of N.L., evacuation orders in some parts of Edmonton

A plane dumps water on a brush fire near the Badger Lake area of Newfoundland. (Courtesy: NTV)

A “large” and “out of control” wildfire is currently burning in areas of Newfoundland, the RCMP reports.

Provincial government resources and firefighters are responding to the fire near Badger Lake. The RCMP’s public advisory states that motorists can expect possible road closures in the area.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture department stated that the forest fire hazard rating is currently high and very high in areas of western, central and eastern Newfoundland and urged residents to use caution.

According to provincial government’s website, forest fire season this year for Newfoundland is in effect from April 24 to Sept. 30, and for Labrador from May 15 to Sept. 30.

In July 2024, Labrador experienced its largest ever evacuation because of massive wildfires in the region. More than 7,000 residents were forced to leave Labrador City after a fire grew from 400 to 14,000 hectares.

Meanwhile in Alberta, evacuations orders have been put in place as wildfire risk remains high. Rural areas in Edmonton, including Sturgeon County, have been evacuated, forcing hundreds of people to be relocated.

An out-of-control blaze began over the weekend near the Redwater Provincial Recreation Area due to a vehicle catching fire after an apparent technical failure.

With files from The Canadian Press