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"Again, I need to be very clear that it is next to impossible to determine how many structures have been lost due to the extreme fire behaviour and the smoke and the danger of trying to make that assessment right now," he said in St. John's.

"When we get through this, we will be able to accurately assess what has been damaged and what has been lost in these communities."

There were four wildfires burning out of control across Newfoundland and Labrador on Thursday, as much of Atlantic Canada grapples with persistent heat and drought-like conditions.

In central Newfoundland, a fire by Martin's Lake shut down the only highway connecting the southern Connaigre Peninsula with the rest of the province. Marina Cox has been stranded for three days in Bishop's Falls, on the northern side of the wildfire, waiting for the road to reopen so she can go back home to Harbour Breton.

"It costing you money that you don't really have, paying for a hotel. And then you have to go out and get your meals," Cox said in a telephone interview. "And you don't know when you're going to get home."

Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and rain were in the forecast for St. John's Thursday, which could help crews as they battle a wildfire on the outskirts of the city near Paddy's Pond, Hogan said. Though videos on social media suggest the flames had abated somewhat, Jamie Chippett, deputy forestry minister, said the fire was still burning hot in the ground.

The outlook is optimistic, he said, adding, "but still not at a point where we're talking about this thing being held or under control."

People in parts of the St. John鈥檚 suburb of Paradise were evacuated Tuesday, while thousands of others have been asked to be ready to leave their homes on a moment鈥檚 notice. The towns of Paradise and Conception Bay South, as well as the St. John's neighbourhoods of Galway and Southlands, are in a state of emergency.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary said it charged a 20-year-old man with arson for allegedly setting a series of brush fires in the capital city on Tuesday night. Hogan said the man will also be hit with fines totalling $150,000 for breaking the provincewide fire ban.

Rain was in the forecast near the Martin's Lake fire, which could help crews get it under control, Hogan said. In 2022, a 100-metre fire break was constructed along the nearby power transmission line; the 11-kilometre-long break is expected to provide 鈥渞elief and safety鈥� as the fire approaches, Hogan said.

Meanwhile in Nova Scotia, an out-of-control wildfire in the Annapolis Valley has prompted the evacuation of some residents in the West Dalhousie area. The County of Annapolis issued a mandatory evacuation order Thursday morning, but it was unclear how many homes and businesses have been affected.

In New Brunswick, a wildfire prompted authorities to ask residents northwest of Miramichi to be prepared to leave their homes on short notice. "A wildfire poses a potential threat to people and property. Review your evacuation plan. Make sure your emergency preparedness kit is ready," said a tweet from the emergency measures organization.

Officials said earlier Thursday that they were investigating whether "multiple" fires had broken out overnight from lightning strikes.

Brian Proctor, meteorologist with Environment Canada, said the province was hit with 10,477 lightning strikes overnight into Thursday. The majority struck in the northern half of the province, including in the Miramichi area, he said.

"We often do see lightning activity, but it was quite a severe day," Proctor said.

This report by 春色直播was first published Aug. 14, 2025.

鈥� With files from Keith Doucette in Halifax, and Hina Alam in Fredericton.