A state of emergency has been declared for the area of Adam’s Cove after a wildfire burned homes in the community.

The town posted the following statement on Facebook: “Due to an active wildfire, a state of emergency has been declared by the Town of Small Point-Broad Cove-Blackhead-Adam’s Cove for the area of Adam’s Cove. Pursuant to Section 196 of the Towns and Local Service Districts Act (2023) an evacuation order is hereby issued for Adam’s Cove north of Cave Lane.

“Fire crews and RCMP are currently on scene of a wildfire in and between the communities of Adam’s Cove and Western Bay. Route 70 is closed and impassable between Cave Lane in Adam’s Cove and River Loop Road in Western Bay due to the wildfire. For those who have evacuated and cannot return to their homes, centres have been set up at the following locations: Persalvic Elementary School at 410 Hwy E in Victoria and AYLA Building on Critches Road in Lower Island Cove. Due to public safety concerns and ongoing suppression efforts, residents are advised to stay away from the evacuated area until the area is deemed safe to return by town officials.

“Salem Community Centre in Small Point is also open and we urge anyone affected or in need of assistance to drop by.”

The declaration came after a day of forest fires on the Avalon and in central Newfoundland.

Forest fire duty officer Jeff Motty said there were five fires on the Avalon today and one in central Newfoundland near Badger Lake.

Two of the fires were extinguished, but there is a major fire burning now near Adam’s Cove on the Bay de Verde peninsula. Motty said multiple homes have been ignited. NTV’s Ryan Harding spoke to people who have been told their home burned with the immediate area evacuated.

The fire has since jumped the road and is now burning away from the community.

The RCMP advises drivers that Route 70 from Adam’s Cove to Western Bay is now closed due to the fire. The public is asked to avoid the area.

Fires have also been reported near Holyrood and Fermeuse, while two others in Paradise and on Signal Hill have been put out.

One water bomber had been dispatched to Adam’s Cove, while another was dispatched to Holyrood with a helicopter going back and forth between them. There has been no change to the fire in Fermeuse. But the water bombers are now done for the night and the fire is being fought on the ground now.

The provincial government is warning that the forest fire hazard rating is currently high and very high in areas of central and eastern Newfoundland.

The public is advised to use caution.

NTV’s Ryan Harding is covering the story and will have more tomorrow on NTV News First Edition and the NTV Evening Newshour.