ST. JOHN'S — Water bombers have been forced to remain on the ground in Newfoundland because of poor visibility from wildfire smoke on the Bonavista Peninsula.
The province's forest fire duty officer says the fire near Jamestown, N.L., is about 12 square kilometres in size — about the same as on Tuesday.
However, Mark Lawlor says the dense smoke above the blaze is preventing firefighters from properly targeting the flames.
Two helicopters remain on the scene ready to respond if the fire draws any closer to the communities of Jamestown or Winterbrook.
Lawlor says a change in wind direction was the primary reason for the rise in smoke, which he said is blowing toward the two communities.
He says there is still no precise estimate on how many structures have been destroyed but confirmed there have been some cabins that have burned in the area.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2025.
The Canadian Press
