St. John's, N.L., airport closed after late night fire on 2nd floor forces evacuation
A fire at the international airport in St. John's, N.L., resulted in the passenger terminal being closed late Friday night with the reopening set for Sunday evening as a cleanup continued.
Airport CEO Dennis Hogan said Saturday evening the main terminal building was evacuated due to a fire on the second floor which started at about 11:30 p.m. on Friday.
Hogan said the fire originated in a ceiling area of the departure area and was rapidly extinguished by firefighters, while about 30 people were evacuated from the terminal after the alarm went off.
The airport had originally hoped to reopen on Saturday at 6 p.m., but Hogan said during a news conference that due to the cleanup the airport now anticipates it will remain closed to the public until 5 p.m. on Sunday, with the first flights resuming at 7 p.m.
"If that changes, we will provide new updates, but we have a relatively high degree of confidence we can have things in place by that time," said Hogan.
He said the airport is continuing to assess its baggage systems and its pre-boarding screen systems to ensure they are all in good working order.
Some gates will remain closed in the departure area in the building's eastern wing as the repairs and remediation continue, Hogan added.
"In any kind of incident like this there tends to be some smoke damage and soot residue that is located in the area, and in addition to that there is water damage from the water that was needed to put down the fire."
Hogan said the fire is not considered to be suspicious, and there were no injuries. He said the cause remains under investigation.
The airport authority CEO estimated that as of Saturday night, 36 flights had been either delayed or cancelled.
The airfield has remained operational for cargo and military flights, with the shutdown only affecting commercial flights.
The airport is urging passengers to check with airlines on the status of their flights before heading to the airport on Sunday.
Story by Michael Tutton in Halifax.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 25, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.