Yesterday there were four new fire starts in the Labrador west region. Two of these fires are in the vicinity of Churchill Falls, one fire located 12 kilometres southwest from the community and eight kilometres from Churchill Falls airport, and a second about 20 kilometres west of Churchill Falls near the Trans Labrador Highway. Smoke from the fire is anticipated to be visible throughout the day and may impact air quality and travel west of the community.
These fires resulted in the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary closing the highway between Wabush and Churchill Falls yesterday due to significant smoke and active fire conditions. However, as of 11:00 p.m. yesterday evening the highway was reopened to light traffic with motorists reminded to proceed with caution and drive according to the conditions.
Two waterbombers and one helicopter were deployed and actioned the Churchill Falls fires Thursday evening. Three waterbombers and two helicopters will be deployed to those fires today. Overall, four waterbombers and four helicopters will be supporting suppression activities throughout Labrador.
Provincial forestry officials have also initiated resource deployments throughout the province to action the fires. This includes two helicopters, 10 firefighters and one Incident Management Team from the Island which will be mobilized to Labrador throughout the day.
There is no immediate risk to the community of Churchill Falls at this time. However, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and to monitor local media and news reports as conditions could change with short notice.
Forestry officials are coordinating with the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre, which has been activated to Level 1 – Enhanced Monitoring. Emergency management partners have been engaged to respond, if necessary.
Residents of Labrador are encouraged to be vigilant when engaging in outdoor activities as there are currently seven forest fires burning in Labrador and the Fire Weather Index forecast for today is very high and extreme for parts of Labrador.
The public can view updated active wildfire information, including maps identifying the location of fires, on the new online NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.
All residents of the province should exercise caution when planning outdoor fires. The public is reminded a permit to burn must be obtained from a provincial forest management district office to burn vegetation, wood and paper products during forest fire season. A permit is not required for backyard fires, recreational campfires and boil-ups on forest land, or within 300 metres of forest land, on condition the fire is prepared in accordance with strict Provincial Forest Fire Regulations.
Anyone planning outdoor fires should first check the provincial online forest fire hazard rating maps to determine the level of forest fire risk. Fire hazard maps can be viewed at the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website and are updated daily.
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