Fire

Boat fire closes main road in Port de Grave

The Main Road in Port de Grave was closed Wednesday because of a boat fire at the wharf.

The RCMP asked people to avoid the area and was advising nearby residents to stay indoors to avoid exposure to smoke. Updates will be provided as they become available.

More than 100 people displaced in Corner Brook following apartment building fire

Over one hundred people in Corner Brook were chased from their homes late last night when a fire broke out in an apartment complex on the city’s west side. NTV’s Don Bradshaw has the details.

Arson suspect sought following early-evening fire

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) are looking for an individual suspected of arson following a fire on Bonaventure Avenue early Wednesday evening.

Shortly after 5:00 p.m. multiple calls were received by St. John’s Regional Fire Department (SJRFD) alerting fire crews to a blaze behind a residence at the corner of Bonaventure Avenue and Harvey Road. When crews first arrived a few minutes later they found heavy fire and smoke coming from a back deck of the home. Firefighters were able to quickly bring the blaze under control, preventing its spread into the eave of the home. A small gazebo attached to the deck of the home was completely destroyed, while the home sustained mostly superficial damage.

Through their investigation, the RNC have determined the cause of the fire to be arson. Late Tuesday evening police released a photo, obtained through CCTV footage, of a person suspected of arson in relation to the blaze.

The RNC is asking anyone with information to contact them at 729-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477). You can also provide information anonymously on the NL Crime Stoppers website. The RNC have not yet confirmed if there is a connection to three previous fires that were also deemed suspicious in nature.

SJRFD Platoon Chief Mike Hall credited firefighters with being able to douse the flames, which could be seen from Signal Hill, before the home sustained substantial damage. Hall also recognized the home’s close proximity to Central Fire Station, less than half a kilometre away, as a contributing factor in the speedy knock-down.

The building, known as The Observatory, was built in the 1800’s. It survived the Great Fire of 1892, and was designated a heritage building in 1994.

Firefighters save recreational building from significant damage

A quick response from St. John’s Regional Fire Department (SJRFD) Saturday evening saved a recreational building from significant fire damage.

Multiple 911 calls were received shortly after 5:00 p.m. Saturday evening alerting firefighters to a fire at King George V soccer complex, near Quidi Vidi Lake. When crews arrived a few minutes later they found a small storage shed fully involved with fire.

While it only took a few minutes to knock down the flames, there was concern about extension into a building that houses washroom facilities, locker rooms, storage, and a canteen. SJRFD Platoon Chief Dean Foley said while the building did sustain some fire damage to the outside wall and eave, there was no fire damage to the interior. The building’s attic space did fill with smoke, however firefighters removed a vent to allow the smoke to escape.

Crews were on scene for roughly an hour, at times using a thermal imaging camera to ensure no hot spots remained. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

A storage shed at King George V soccer complex was destroyed by fire, causing damage to the outside of a recreational building.

Bay Roberts RCMP investigating fire at former Lions Club in Shearstown

Bay Roberts RCMP is investigating an early morning fire that occurred on Christmas Eve at the former Lions Club in Shearstown. 

Shortly before 5:30 a.m. on December 24th, police received the report of the fire and attended the scene. The vacated building was engulfed in flames and was completely destroyed by the fire.

The investigation continues, and anyone with information about the incident or any suspicious activity leading up to the fire is asked to contact Bay Roberts RCMP or Crime Stoppers. 

No injuries after fire destroys boat yard building in Springdale

A massive fire broke out at a boat yard in Springdale last night, shutting down the town’s main road.

The fire is under control now and no injuries were reported, but it could have been much worse. NTV’s David Salter reports.

Industrial building on fire in Springdale

Twitter image

First responders are on the scene of a major fire at an industrial building in Springdale, RCMP say.

Social media messages indicate the fire is happening at Yates Boat Shop. The fire broke out Wednesday evening on Corporal Bouzane Boulevard, which runs parallel to Little Bay Road, the main street in the community. Both roads were impassable as fire hoses are crossing the streets to allow firefighters to battle the blaze. The main road is now passable, but police warned the public to expect delays.

Police say it’s essential the general public stay out of the area so the hoses are not damaged and fire fighters are able to do their work. Both pedestrians and vehicle operators are asked to avoid the area.

Remembering the CLB fire 30 years later

Today marks the 30th anniversary of one of the biggest fires in St. John’s history.

On December 21st, 1992, the CLB Armoury on Harvey Road caught fire and destroyed a neighbourhood. NTV’s Rosie Mullaley has this story.

St. John’s mayor says more work needed on maintaining heritage homes after Bryn Mawr fire

A well-known heritage building in the east end of St. John’s was destroyed in a massive fire overnight.

The destruction of Baird’s Cottage has sparked a new debate about heritage properties, with the mayor saying the city needs to work with owners to make sure buildings are maintained.

NTV’s Beth Penney reports.

Heritage building destroyed by overnight fire

A well-known heritage building in the east end of St. John’s was destroyed by fire overnight.

Fire crews responded to Bryn Mawr, also known as Baird’s Cottage, shortly before 3:00 a.m. Friday morning. Mike Hall, Platoon Chief with the St. John’s Regional Fire Department (SJRFD) said they were alerted to the blaze by a passing taxi driver, who noticed smoke coming from the boarded-up structure.

When crews from nearby Kent’s Pond Fire Station arrived at the scene, located at 154 New Cove Road, they were met with heavy fire coming from the vacant building. Given the amount of fire present, crews were forced to take a defensive approach. At times, firefighters could be seen hosing down the roofs of homes across the street, as large flankers filled the sky and fell to the ground below.

Over twenty firefighters from three stations responded to the fire, pouring water onto the blaze in an effort to douse the flames. It took over an hour to bring the fire under control. The building was a complete loss, having been leveled to its foundation.

Baird’s Cottage, built in 1907, has been the subject of a public battle both in and out of the courts in recent years. It was recognized by Heritage Newfoundland and Labrador as a registered heritage structure in 1993, and similarly recognized by the City of St. John’s in 2016. Regulations surrounding its heritage status have halted proposed development of the land, placing the property in limbo. Despite the attempts of several interest groups to safe the building, the 115-year-old home remained abandoned and shuttered.

New Cove Road remained closed for several hours as crews battled the fire and cleared from the scene. An investigation into the cause of the blaze is ongoing.

Video from the scene of a fire that destoyed a 115-year-old heritage structure in St. John’s.
SJRFD Platoon Chief Mike Hall speaks at the scene of a fire on New Cove Road.

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