'Several' explosions reported in Happy Valley-Goose Bay as uncontrolled fire burns near explosive material
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."
The fire broke out on Friday evening on the north end of Happy Valley-Goose Bay toward abandoned buildings at the former airport.
Residents are being asked remain at least a kilometre away from the area from the end of the airport to the docks, as fire crews work to extinguish the blaze.
RCMP say 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," RCMP said in a statement late Friday.
In a statement posted on X, N.L. Premier Andrew Furey said he has spoken with MHA Perry Trimper and offered full support to Mayor George Andrews.
"We will be there to help in any way we can," the premier said.
Smoke cascades over abandoned buildings at the former airport of Happy Valley-Goose Bay on Friday. (Heidi Atter/CBC)
