Provincial forestry officials say smoke from Labrador forest fires could hamper travel and affect air quality in the Big Land today.
They say there’s the potential for increased levels of smoke along Route 500 in Labrador West, as well as the railway lines, as waterbombers and helicopters descend on the area to douse flames and hotspots.
Specifically, they say residents should avoid the area north of Bloom Lake Mine and west of the Bloom Lake Rail Line.
While there’s no immediate threat to Wabush or Labrador City, residents are urged to remain vigilant and keep an eye and ear on local media and news reports as conditions could change on short notice.
Officials are also closely monitoring a fire near Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Smoke from that blaze is expected to be visible throughout the day and could affect air quality and travel west of the town.
As of this morning, there are 13 forest fires burning in Labrador.
Updated active wildfire information, including maps identifying the location of fires, is available on the NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.