A mayor in Labrador West welcomes the declaration of a regional ban on open fires.

A wildfire prompted an evacuation alert this week for areas around Labrador City, but the ban, which was invoked last night, covers all of Labrador. It will remain in place until at least July 13.

Lab City Mayor Jordan Brown says it’s important that restrictions are put in place to prevent situations in which fire fighting resources have to be diverted elsewhere.

There are showers in the region today with a chance of thundershowers later on. Winds are from the southwest gusting to 40 km/h.

He says the situation is pretty good today in terms of smoke from the fire but they also have to be mindful of the fires burning next door in Quebec.

“The wind is coming down from that area so we could get smoke from that area, and we are being told to expect a smokey summer,” says the mayor.

He urges people to comply with the fire ban, and to always have a go-bag ready because things can change in a hurry.

“No fireworks, no sky lanterns, no backyard firepits,” says Brown, “and if you’re on an ATV take some kind of fire suppression device, and don’t have a fire when you got out for a hike because it’s against the law.”