The evacuation order for the Town of Churchill Falls has been lifted.
The advisory was posted on the town’s website as of 6:24 p.m. local time this evening.
“It is with much gratitude to our provincial fire and emergency response teams that we announce that the evacuation order for Churchill Falls has been lifted,” reads the statement.
The fire is now listed as “being held,” meaning forestry officials feel sufficient action has been taken to prevent further spread of the fire.
“While we anticipate that with current conditions and forecast that the fire status may change to ‘under control’ in the coming days, out of an abundance of caution we are asking that everyone please remain prepared as conditions could change.”
Support teams have been on site assessing infrastructure and preparing the town for the return of its residents who were forced to leave when the evacuation order was first made on June 19.
Residents are urged to check the town’s information web page for important updates regarding the return, including available town services and other instructions.
The town says Hydro employees and families will be contacted directly by the People Care Centre to discuss travel preparations, and are asked not to book air travel until they have heard from officials at the centre.
As work continues to fully restore services in town, a number of points are worth noting:
- A boil water advisory is in effect;
- Fuel services will be available on Thursday, with times posted as soon as they are available;
- The grocery store will open on Thursday from 12-8:00 p.m.