Wildfire evacuees urged to register as crews work to save buildings near Holyrood, N.L.

A wildfire burning at the stake nigh Holyrood, N.L., has forced the cloture of a component part of Route 60 — a briny road that runs through the middle of the community — and is forcing some residents to evacuate, including in neighbouring Conception Bay South.

In a statement on Facebook, the RCMP said the closure begins at Beaumont Place in Holyrood and runs to the bridge at the entrance of the town on the C.B.S. Side. The Town of C.B.S. Also evacuated the area of the Conception Bay Highway west of Seal Cove Road. 

Residents from Beaumont Place to 1820 Conception Bay Highway, including all side roads, are being told to evacuate immediately.

In an update at 9:30 p.m. NT, the province said ground crews are working with local fire departments to focus on protecting structures throughout the night. As well, the statement said all evacuees must register with the Canadian Red Cross, either by calling or in-person at the Conception Bay South arena. The Salvation Army as well as search and rescue officials are on site to assist with food, drink and emergency accommodations for evacuees.

Dozens are gathering near the town's thermal generating station, watching from their parked vehicles as water bombers continue to fight the blaze.

Some are walking between vehicles to chat and catch up. The fire, according to the province's wildfire map, is about 20 hectares in size and is considered out of control.

Fisher said the site is secured, and all normal activity at the plant has ceased. Some emergency response personnel remain on site to monitor the plant. 

Fisher said the plant was not running on Monday because of annual summer maintenance.

Wildfire near Holyrood forces evacuation for some residents

"The southwest wind is taking it away from where we're to," Power said.

"The [water] bombers are just load-and-go there."

The size of the fire is unclear, but Power said it's his understanding that it might have jumped the road to the Butter Pot Provincial Park side.

Shelter is available at the C.B.S. Arena.

In an update on social media shortly before 7 p.m. NT, the town issued an evacuation order for the area from 1820 Conception Bay Highway to the western boundary of the community.

Residents from 1375 Conception Bay Highway to 1820 Conception Bay Highway, including all roads in between, are asked to prepare to evacuate should it become necessary.

"This is an evolving situation with this fire, we're monitoring it very closely and we just want to be ready and let people know that they may be asked to leave their homes at some point if it continues and progresses our way," Bent said.

Resident Sherry Stringer was in Kelligrews to watch the water bombers with her daughter, Jada. That area of C.B.S. Hasn't been evacuated, but Stringer said it's still a scary feeling as the wildfire burns out of control nearby.

"A lot of people are nervous," she said. "It's scary. Very scary. It's where it's so dry, I guess. We've had no rain … and it's been very, very hot."

Meanwhile, St. John's Regional Fire Department is advising residents in the St. John's area the smoke from the fire may affect the air quality east of the fire.

"We recommend that residents turn off air exchangers and HVAC units to help reduce indoor smoke exposure," the statement reads.

Senior Writer

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