A massive forest fire that came perilously close to the hydro plant in Churchill Falls Wednesday evening, is still listed as out of control, but is now a smoldering, dampened fire according to forestry officials.
That’s allowing ground crews to step in to tackle the blaze, assisted by helicopters and two water bombers which are on stand by should it flare up again.
The fire, which is approximately 169 hectares in size, is being pushed away from Churchill Falls by westerly winds and weather conditions will remain favourable in the days ahead.
NL Hydro spokesperson Deanne Fischer says thankfully everyone is safe and the hydro and electrical infrastructure is intact.
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She says the fire moved quickly past the community.
It’s the second time in as many years that fire threatened Churchill Falls, forcing the evacuation of residents and staff last year. Last year a fire break cut through the woods played a major role in preventing flames from spreading into town.
Fischer says it’s a situation that NL Hydro is continuously monitoring and assessing.
They even have a team that goes around wetting down areas of town.
