'Several' explosions reported in Happy Valley-Goose Bay as uncontrolled fire burns near explosive material
No reports of injuries as fire affects several buildings at former airport
Police in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L., have declared a state of emergency following "several explosions" at the site of an uncontrolled fire burning near explosive material.
"Emergency services are on the scene of a large structure fire," a provincial emergency alert warned late Friday. "There have been several explosions."
There are no reports of injuries.
The fire broke out on Friday evening at the north end of Happy Valley-Goose Bay toward abandoned buildings at the former airport.
Residents are being asked to remain at least a kilometre away from the area that extends from the end of the airport to the docks, as fire crews work to extinguish the blaze.
"We are dealing with a fire emergency situation in our community," Mayor George Andrews said in a video posted to the town's Facebook page.
Andrews said several buildings have been affected by the fire, and he urged residents on the Canadian side and North side to immediately evacuate. Anyone requiring evacuation assistance is to call 709-896-3084.
The SPCA is located in the same area, and Andrews said arrangements are being made to address the animals' safety.
The RCMP said the following streets are directly impacted:
- Halifax Street
- Toronto Street
- Winnipeg Street
- Ottawa Avenue
- London Street
"In the interest of public safety, homeowners are strongly encouraged not to attend their properties at this time," the RCMP said in a statement late Friday.
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, N.L. Premier Andrew Furey said he has spoken with MHA Perry Trimper and offered full support to Andrews.
"We will be there to help in any way we can," the premier said.
ntv.ca
