Badger residents are being ordered to evacuate to Grand Falls-Windsor due to wildfire

Fire and Emergency Services will continue to monitor the wildfire and provide updates as they become available.

Updated story: 
Upwards of 500 people are being evacuated from Badger after a wildfire nearby has come to close for comfort. A forest fire broke out 4 kilometers south of the town yesterday and has now burned about 600 hectares. No homes have  burned. Premier John Hogan says about 80 percent of residents have their own transportation but bussing and other resources will be available.  He says unfavourable weather and wind have led to this decision.

Three water bombers are battling the blaze working in four hour shifts. There have been 117 forest fires in the province this year mostly caused by human activity. 

Jamie Chippett is with Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture. He says this fire was started by lightning and the forest fire season started earlier and there has been a string of hot, dry, weather.  There is also a provincial ban on outdoor fires now in place. 

Earlier story: A wildfire burning in Pamehac Brook North, south of Badger, has led to an evacuation.  Currently, the fire is approximately 380 hectares and is approximately 4 kilometres away from the Town of Badger.

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture have wildfire suppression ground resources and air support actioning the fire. Two waterbombers have been dispatched.

The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre is at Level 2 and is actively monitoring this situation. Emergency management partners have been engaged to respond, where necessary.

A province-wide  outdoor fire ban is now in place.