Waterbombers will return to Port Hope Simpson today to fight a wildfire burning near the community that prompted a State of Emergency to be declared.

A temporary shelter was set up in Mary’s Harbour, while the town of St. Lewis also offered up space for those who chose to leave town.

Ground crews, including the local fire department, monitored the situation overnight after the waterbomber and helicopter had to give up the effort at nightfall.

The Department of Forestry says a waterbomber from Happy Valley-Goose Bay will rejoin the firefighting effort this morning and will be on the ready at 9:00 a.m. Meanwhile, a second aircraft, in Gander, will be ready at 10:00 a.m.

However, the department says, waterbombers cannot fly if the temperature is 7 degrees or lower, and waterbombers can only fly for four hours at a time before they must land to refuel and give the pilots a break.

The department is encouraging residents to follow official channels, like the Forestry’s Facebook page or the town of Port Hope Simpson’s page for the latest accurate information.