(NL-Wildfires)
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier John Hogan says the Kingston wildfire – which is the largest in the province – has grown to nearly 64 square kilometres.
As of mid-day yesterday, Hogan said the fire had reached the communities of Ochre Pit Cove and Western Bay where it’s believed there has been “significant loss” in both communities.
The premier says water bombers will continue to work between the Kingston fire and one at Paddy’s Pond outside St. John’s.
The Paddy’s Pond fire is described as “very active” and Hogan says it is being fought by ground and air crews as well as by the St. John’s Regional Fire Department.
(The Canadian Press)
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(NB-Wildfires)
New Brunswick’s largest wildfire has increased in size.
As of late yesterday, provincial officials said the Miramichi area fire had grown to over 11 square kilometres.
The fire is considered out of control along with the blaze in Irishtown near Moncton which has consumed 45 hectares.
Officials say a total of 30 firefighters have arrived from out of province, including 20 from Nova Scotia, along with five from P-E-I and five from Maine.
(The Canadian Press)
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(PEI-Vehicle-Shooting)
R-C-M-P say a 50-year-old woman who was injured in Friday’s crash in western P-E-I has died.
Police issued a news release yesterday saying they had been informed of the death.
A 35-year-old man who was driving the vehicle died at the scene just off a rural road.
The Mounties said Monday that both people in the car had sustained injuries from the crash, although the driver had also sustained gunshot wounds and it’s believed another vehicle had been on Hackmatack Road when a “targeted” shooting occurred.
(CBC News)
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(Atlantic-Drought)
An East Coast drought has intensified over the past month.
Agriculture Canada says most of Nova Scotia, eastern Newfoundland, southeastern New Brunswick and portions of P-E-I have shifted into moderate to severe drought conditions.
Trevor Hadwen — a specialist with Agriculture Canada — says 2025 has been an “abnormally dry” year.
Environment Canada forecaster Brian Proctor says it is looking like one of the driest Augusts on record so far in the Atlantic region, and the next possibility of light rain is Friday.
(The Canadian Press)
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(NB-Water-Levels)
The New Brunswick government is asking people to conserve water due to surface and groundwater levels that are lower than normal throughout the province.
The province attributes the decrease in water levels to recent heat waves, coupled with low rainfall over the past few weeks.
It’s asking people to conserve water through several ways such as avoiding washing vehicles, watering lawns, filling swimming pools, using washing machines and dishwashers less frequently and with full loads only and taking quick showers.
(The Canadian Press)
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(Wildfires-Air-Quality)
Environment Canada has issued an air quality warning for parts of Newfoundland and Labrador.
It says Avalon Peninsula North and St. John’s and vicinity will see significantly reduced air quality because of wildfires.
An air quality statement is also in effect for Moncton and Southeast New Brunswick, and Halifax Metro and Halifax County West with smoke from nearby wildfires is reducing local air quality.
People are asked to take precautions such as staying indoors and keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible.
(The Canadian Press)
