Environment Canada issues air quality statement after fire at Robin Hood Bay

Air quality statement issued after fire at Robin Hood Bay. Separate fire destroys home in Torbay

Fires happened within hours Sunday afternoon and evening

A pair of fires on Sunday have caused a stir in northeastern Newfoundland.

One, at a regional waste facility in the east end of St. John's, prompted Environment Canada to issue a yellow air quality warning for the majority of the region.

That fire began early Sunday afternoon at the Robin Hood Bay waste disposal facility. A large plume of black smoke was seen billowing from the waste site, spreading across much of the surrounding area.

The St. John's Regional Fire Department was on the scene shortly after initial reports of smoke coming from the facility. The fire department did not have further details, other than that it was an active situation.

Environment Canada says smoke from the fire is "significantly reducing local air quality."

Affected areas include, but are not limited to:

"Air quality impacts may vary over time depending on fire behaviour and changes in wind direction," Environment Canada wrote in its statement.

"When air pollution levels are high, everyone should limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events."

Hours later, in nearby Torbay, a separate fire destroyed a home in the area of Woodbridge Lane.

Large flames were seen ripping through the property early Sunday evening, and another dark cloud of smoke blanketed the area.

Multiple fire teams and police officers are on the scene of that residential fire. The home's entire top floor has collapsed.

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