Lethbridge Residents Allowed to Return Home as Evacuation Order Relaxed Despite Active Fire Threat

Wildfire Prompts Evacuations in Newfoundland; Residents Return Home

Lethbridge, Newfoundland and labrador – Residents of parts of the local service district of lethbridge were permitted to return to their homes on Monday afternoon after a significant wildfire broke out, but the blaze continues to burn actively. The fire originated in a considerable bark pile at the Sexton Lumber saw mill and rapidly spread to the surrounding forest.

Evacuation orders had been issued for areas including Oldford’s Hill,Southwest Bridge,Bayside Drive,and Forest Drive,where the Sexton Lumber facility is located. while residents are now allowed back, an evacuation alert remains in effect, according to local service district clerk Annie Harris.

Spontaneous Combustion Sparks Major Blaze

kevin Sexton, Owner of Sexton Lumber, explained to CBC Radio that the fire was not deliberately caused, but rather initiated by a chemical reaction resulting in spontaneous combustion. He described the conditions that fueled the fire’s rapid growth,stating that the dry whether had turned the top layer of the 100,000-tonne bark pile into highly flammable kindling.

Sexton noted that fires within bark piles are not entirely unusual, but the recent hot and windy conditions dramatically accelerated the spread. He reported no signs of fire at noon on Sunday, only for it to be fully ablaze within 45 minutes. The heat generated by bacterial activity within the wood pile,combined with exposure to oxygen,is often cited as a cause of such fires.

Containment Efforts Underway, Firebreak Constructed

Firefighters are facing challenges in extinguishing the blaze, as traditional methods like dumping water prove ineffective. Instead, crews are focused on digging up the burning bark and applying water directly. A firebreak is currently being constructed around the perimeter of the fire to prevent further expansion. As of Monday morning, the fire covered approximately one hectare of land.

the province’s Department of fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture reported that the fire did not grow overnight and that two water bombers, a bucketing helicopter, and ground crews remain on site, actively addressing hotspots. A resident, Kayla Dillon, expressed relief at being able to return home with her four children, stating they were eager to regain the comfort of their own living space.

Province-Wide Fire Ban Extended

In response to the heightened fire risk, the Newfoundland and Labrador government announced an extension of the province-wide fire ban, currently in effect until at least Friday.This ban prohibits all open fires, including those with permits, and mandates that off-road vehicles be equipped with spark arrestors and carry fire extinguishers.

violations of the fire ban carry substantial penalties, beginning at $50,000, with the possibility of imprisonment for non-payment. Officials attribute the majority of this year’s wildfires – 220 out of 230 – to human activity. The forest fire season in the province continues until September 30th.

Key Fact	Details
Location	Lethbridge, Newfoundland and labrador
Cause of Fire	Spontaneous Combustion in Bark Pile
Evacuation Status	Residents returning home, alert remains in effect
Fire Size	Approximately 1 hectare
Fire Ban	Province-wide, extended until at least Friday

Understanding Spontaneous Combustion

Spontaneous combustion is a fascinating and potentially dangerous phenomenon. It occurs when organic materials – like wood chips,hay,or compost – generate heat internally through microbial activity. If this heat cannot dissipate, it builds up until it reaches the ignition point, resulting in a fire. This process is particularly common in large, compacted piles of organic matter, where insulation prevents heat from escaping.

Did You Know? Proper ventilation and monitoring of temperature are crucial for preventing spontaneous combustion in stored organic materials.

Pro Tip: Regularly turning and aerating piles of wood chips or compost helps dissipate heat and reduces the risk of ignition.

the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides extensive resources on fire safety, including information about preventing spontaneous combustion.

Are you prepared for wildfire season in your area? What steps can communities take to mitigate the risk of wildfires?

Frequently Asked Questions About Wildfires

• What is a wildfire? A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire in an area of combustible vegetation that occurs in the countryside or a wilderness area.
• What causes wildfires in Newfoundland? The majority of wildfires in Newfoundland are caused by human activity, but spontaneous combustion, as seen in this case, can also be a factor.
• How does a province-wide fire ban protect against wildfires? A fire ban restricts activities that could potentially ignite a fire, such as open burning, reducing the risk of new fires starting.
• What is spontaneous combustion? Spontaneous combustion happens when heat builds up inside organic material, like a bark pile, and ignites it without an external source.
• How can I stay informed about wildfire risks? stay updated by monitoring local news, government websites, and alerts from emergency services.
• What safety precautions should you take during a wildfire? You should follow evacuation orders, close all windows and doors, and stay indoors.
• What resources are available for wildfire prevention? The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center (https://ciffc.ca/) provides information and resources on wildfire prevention.

Share this article and help spread awareness about wildfire safety. Leave a comment below with your thoughts and experiences.

What steps should Lethbridge residents take to prepare for potential future evacuations, based on the experiences shared in the article?

Re-Entry Details & Phased Approach

As of today, September 8th, 2025, Lethbridge residents previously under evacuation order due to the ongoing wildfires are being permitted to return home. However, authorities are emphasizing a cautious and phased re-entry, acknowledging the continued presence of active fire threats in surrounding areas. The City of Lethbridge, in collaboration with Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services (LFES), has established clear guidelines and zones for the return process.

Phase 1 (Completed Sept 8th, 14:00 MDT): Residents of the Estates area were the first to be cleared for return.

Phase 2 (Ongoing Sept 8th, 16:00 MDT onwards): Areas west of Highway 4, including parts of West Lethbridge, are now open to residents. Access is being granted based on street-by-street assessments.

phase 3 (Timing TBD): The remaining areas under evacuation order will be reassessed continuously, with re-entry dependent on fire behavior and air quality conditions. Updates will be provided via the City of Lethbridge website and local news channels.

Residents are urged to check the City of Lethbridge’s official website (https://www.lethbridge.ca/) for the most up-to-date information regarding their specific zone and re-entry timing. A detailed interactive map showing the phased re-entry zones is available on the site.

Understanding the continued Risk: Wildfire Status & Air Quality

While the immediate threat to homes in the cleared zones has diminished, the wildfires remain active. The primary fire, located approximately 15 kilometers southwest of Lethbridge, is currently listed as “Being Held” but is not fully extinguished. “Being Held” means the fire is no longer likely to spread beyond its current perimeter under current weather conditions.

Air quality remains a meaningful concern. Smoke from the wildfires continues to impact the region, with Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) levels fluctuating between moderate and high risk.

Individuals with respiratory conditions (asthma,COPD) are advised to limit outdoor activity.

Everyone should monitor AQHI levels and take precautions as needed. (AQHI information can be found at https://airquality.alberta.ca/)

Keep windows and doors closed, and use air purifiers if available.

Safety Precautions for Returning Residents

Returning home after an evacuation requires careful consideration. LFES recommends the following safety checks:

1. Exterior Inspection: Assess your property for any visible damage, including structural issues, downed power lines, and debris.
2. Utility Checks: do not enter your home if you smell gas. Contact ATCO Gas immediately. Check for water damage and electrical hazards before restoring power.
3. Interior Assessment: Look for smoke damage and potential mold growth. Ventilate the house thoroughly.
4. Document Damage: Photograph or video any damage for insurance purposes.
5. Be Aware of Wildlife: Displaced wildlife may be present in residential areas. Maintain a safe distance and report any sightings to Fish and Wildlife Enforcement.

Resources for Evacuees & Affected Residents

The City of Lethbridge and various organizations are providing support to evacuees and residents affected by the wildfires:

Evacuee Support Centre: Located at the ENMAX Centre, offering accommodation assistance, food, and essential supplies.

Canadian Red Cross: Providing financial assistance and emotional support. (https://www.redcross.ca/)

Insurance Information: Contact your insurance provider to initiate a claim for any damages.The Insurance Bureau of Canada (https://www.ibc.ca/) offers resources and guidance.

Mental Health support: The Alberta Health Services Mental Health Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-877-303-2642.

Real-world example: Community Response & Preparedness

The swift response from the Lethbridge community has been remarkable. Numerous volunteers have assisted with evacuation efforts, providing support at the ENMAX Centre and offering assistance to neighbours. This event highlights the importance of community preparedness and the value of having an emergency plan in place.Several residents reported having “go-bags” ready, considerably easing the evacuation process.

Lethbridge fire & Emergency Services (LFES) – Key Contacts

Emergency Services: 911

LFES Non-Emergency Line: 403-320-3800

*City