Wildfire erupts south of Newfoundland’s largest city, evacuation alert issued

More than 13,000 people living on the outskirts of St. John’s, N.L., have been told to prepare to evacuate their homes and businesses as a new wildfire burns near the province’s largest city.

Premier John Hogan issued a precautionary evacuation alert late Monday for parts of two towns southwest of St. John’s Paradise and Conception Bay South.

Residents were told to prepare basic emergency kits that will allow them to be away from their homes for at least 72 hours. In the early morning hours, photos shared on social media showed long lineups at some local gas stations.

The new wildfire erupted Monday near Paddy’s Pond, about 15 kilometres south of downtown St. John’s. The fire quickly grew to about two square kilometres and four water bombers were dispatched to douse the flames.

Provin