Air-quality warning issued due to fire at St. John's landfill

A view of St. John's, N.L., is seen on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sarah Smellie

ST. JOHN’S — Many residents of Newfoundland and Labrador’s capital are being advised to keep windows closed and limit time outdoors as a fire burns at the city’s landfill.

A statement posted on the City of St. John’s website Sunday says firefighters and crews are responding to a fire at Robin Hood Bay.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an air-quality warning about the smoke, which it says could affect the east end of St. John’s, St. John’s International Airport and the nearby communities of Torbay, Logy Bay, Outer Cove and Bauline.

The city says people should turn off air exchangers and HVAC units to help reduce indoor smoke exposure.

The cause of the fire has not been confirmed, but the city says that rechargeable batteries are a known fire risk in the landfill.

It’s also asking residents to not place batteries in garbage or recycling.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 14, 2026.

The Canadian Press