Emergency – Major Structure Fire

Public Notice – Emergency Evacuation Lifted as of 5:00pm

As of 5:00 p.m., the Emergency Evacuation Order for the following areas has been lifted:

• Bridgets Road
• Hardings Hill
• Boulder Lane
• Somertons Lane
• Bottom of Anglican Church Road

Roads are now open and residents are now permitted to return to their properties.

The Town thanks residents for their patience and cooperation throughout today’s emergency response. Your understanding helped ensure emergency personnel could carry out their work safely and efficiently.

The Town and Council would like to extend sincere thanks to the many individuals, organizations, and emergency responders who assisted during today’s fire. First and foremost, we thank the Portugal Cove–St. Philip’s Volunteer Fire Department for their immediate response, professionalism, and dedication in protecting our community.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to the volunteer fire departments from Town of Pouch Cove, the Town of Torbay, and the City of St. John’s for their support and mutual aid during the response.

Situations such as this are a powerful reminder of how important the strong relationships between our local services and neighbouring communities truly are. When emergencies arise, the willingness of departments and organizations to work together ensures residents receive the care and response they need when it matters most.

We are also grateful to the Salvation Army Response Team, Beachy Cove Animal Hospital, AWH Group, St. Lawrence Parish, Chris Squires Enterprises, Department of Transportation, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, Emergency Services Division with Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Environment Canada, Canadian Coast Guard, Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s Public Works Department, and MHA Fred Hutton for stepping forward to support those affected and assist during a very difficult situation. To the residents of Bell Island thank you for your patience and understanding during today’s events. The Town’s Emergency Operations Centre opened and ran smoothly with the help of many partners around the room.

To Landings Eatery and Pub, and property owner on behalf of the Town and Council, we are deeply saddened to see such a loss in our community. Our thoughts are with all those affected during this difficult time.

Water, Garbage and Road Updates:

Due to heavy water usage for the emergency and an emergency leak repair, residents in the affected areas from Indian Meal Line to Beachy Cove Hill – including all side roads, may notice some air in the lines or discolouration. This is normal. Please run your cold water tap until the water runs clear. For questions, please contact Public Works at [email protected]

Garbage scheduled for collection on Tuesday March 10^th, 2026 in the affected areas will be collected on Wednesday March 11^th, 2026. Please have garbage to the curb by 8:00am.

Roads that were closed will re-open at 5:00pm, with some having a detour in place monitored by RNC, PCSP Public Works and PCSPVFD.