Wildfires force evacuations in eastern Canada as crews battle fast-spreading flames

HAMILTON, Canada

Four wildfires are burning out of control across the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, forcing evacuations and prompting a regional state of emergency, according to local reports Monday.

CBC News reported that the largest, the Kingston wildfire in Conception Bay North, has grown to more than 5,000 hectares (12.4 acres).

Meanwhile, the Martin Lake fire is 255 hectares and remains "very active," according to provincial fire duty officer Mark Lawlor. Another fire in the Holyrood area is being held.

Evacuation orders cover several communities on the Bay de Verde peninsula, with others placed on alert. Two additional wildfires are burning in Labrador, including one 19 kilometers (11.8 miles) south of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

"A regional state of emergency has been declared by the Minister of Justice and Public Safety for a portion of the Bay de Verde peninsula, from Bristol's Hope to Whiteway (the communities in the entirety of the Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde electoral district), due to out-of-control wildfires," said a statement by provincial authorities in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Meteorologists have warned that hot and dry weather is hampering firefighting efforts, Lawlor said, "It has been a challenging weekend." He also noted that water bombers, helicopters, and Canadian Coast Guard assets are being used to protect communities and build fire guards.

The province-wide fire ban remains in place, with fines of up to CA$150,000 (approximately $108,900) and possible imprisonment for violations.

Meanwhile, in Ontario, dozens of firefighters are battling a fast-spreading forest fire in the Burnt River area of Kawartha Lakes, CTV News reported.

"As of Sunday afternoon, roughly 27 hectares remain actively burning," said local authorities in Kawartha Lakes, adding that "heavily wooded terrain is littered with debris from a winter ice storm, creating dangerous conditions for crews."

No evacuation orders have been issued in the Ontario fire, but officials say conditions are being closely monitored.