UPDATED: REPORT OF PERSON INJURED BY FIRE ALONG EAST COAST TRAIL DEEMED FALSE ALARM

(Sept 8th)

A report of an individual injured by fire from an alleged camping accident along the East Coast Trail between Maddox Cove and Cape Spear was ultimately determined to be a false alarm after officials conducted a lengthy search Monday afternoon.

At approximately 12:00 p.m. on Labour Day, Sept. 7, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary received a report of a possible fire along the East Coast Trail, in the area between Shore Lane in Maddox Cove and the Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site on Blackhead Road.

The Rovers Search and Rescue Team was deployed to the area and responded to Shore Lane in Maddox Cove, where a command post was established. Searchers then began working to locate the reported fire and any individuals who may have required assistance.

Search efforts continued throughout the afternoon as officials investigated the report.

The individuals involved were eventually located at Cape Spear. No fire was found, and the reported incident was determined to be a false alarm.

On Tuesday, Sept. 8th, the RNC confirmed that they had received a report of a fire along the trail and that further investigation determined the reported fire was a false alarm.