The Newfoundland and Labrador Disaster Financial Assistance Program (NL-DFAP) has been activated in response to the wildfires that occurred in August 2025 in Conception Bay North, Holyrood and Paddy’s Pond.

Local authorities, including municipalities and local service districts, affected by the 2025 wildland-urban interface fires, either directly or indirectly (as a host community), may apply to NL-DFAP for reimbursement of eligible costs.

Eligible Costs

Eligible wildfire-related costs under NL-DFAP may include:

• Pre-impact preparedness measures (e.g., construction of fire breaks, deployment of sprinkler systems)
• Response activities (e.g., debris removal, repair or restoration of uninsurable infrastructure)
• Relief and recovery support delivered by local authorities through community service providers (e.g., mental health support)
• Personnel expenses related to disaster response including:
  • Overtime costs
  • Temporary hires or contractors engaged for disaster-related work (e.g., repairs)

Please Note: Regular staff hours associated with routine operations are not eligible for reimbursement.

Ineligible Costs

• Damages that are insurable are not eligible under NL-DFAP, regardless of whether insurance coverage was in place
• Losses related to income, revenue, wages, market share, or economic opportunity are not covered.

Additional Guidance

Damages to personal property caused by wildfire are insurable and not covered by NL-DFAP. Property owners are encouraged to contact their insurance providers (if applicable) for information regarding existing coverage and to explore options for additional protection where appropriate.

How to Apply

• Visit the Newfoundland and Labrador Disaster Financial Assistance Program
• Complete the NL-DFAP Municipal and Local Service District application form
• Gather all required supporting documentation as outlined in Section 4.1 of the Public Sector Program Guidelines and Criteria.
• Submit your completed application and supporting documents by either of the following methods:

By mail:
Emergency Services Division
NL-DFAP
PO Box 8700, 45 Major’s Path, 2^nd Floor
St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6

By email:
NL-DFAP@gov.nl.ca

The application deadline is September 25, 2026.