Government officials have imposed a province-wide ban on open fires in the wake of high temperatures and winds — and forest fires burning in Labrador.
Those fires have forced the evacuation of Churchill Falls, with officials saying late this afternoon that residents should be prepared for at least another day or two away from the town.
The next update is expected Friday, as long as there’s no significant change before then.
Premier Andrew Furey and NL Hydro CEO Jennifer Williams also provided an update today, along with Forestry Minister Elvis Loveless.
The Trans-Labrador Highway was busy last night with a long line of traffic heading east from Churchill Falls to Happy Valley Goose Bay, where the YCMA served as the official in-take desk for evacuees with more than 500 people registering Wednesday night.
Eighty-six were being housed at the facility, but it’s believe most, if not all, are now staying with family and friends, and there is no longer a need for the Y to provide lodging.
Hydro officials in Churchill Falls are operating as usual, according to Williams, with minimal staff in place at the generating station.
From left, Forestry Minister Elvis Loveless, Premier Andrew Furey and NL Hydro CEO Jennifer Williams.
Furey says the ban is important as the bulk of the province’s firefighting assets are battling fires in Labrador. He says they don’t want to risk any other fires breaking out that could dilute the response effort, adding “we just can’t risk it.”
Furey says they have requested assistance from other provinces to help with their suppression efforts.
He says they have asked for additional waterbombers and similar assets. That request has been made through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre and the premier is hopeful they will have more help soon.
PAL has also been pitching in and assisting with evacuation efforts.
In terms of weather conditions, Furey says wind direction is the most important factor.
Currently, the fire is on the right side of the Churchill River, protecting the town. However, Furey says the worry is the fire jumping the river.
Winds are favourable now, he says, noting that could change at any time.
Meanwhile, firefighting efforts are continuing with four waterbombers and an “aggressive” attack to knock down the fires, with staggered approaches of two aircraft at a time to help safely extend operations.
Residents who drove to Lab West and did not pass through a check point are also being asked to contact the local RNC (944-7602) and check-in.
Residents are being encouraged to stay updated through the Churchill Falls and NL Hydro websites.
Canada Post has also suspended all deliveries to Churchill Falls due to the forest fires.
