In response to the forest fire in Labrador West, the Provincial Government is working with its federal, municipal and community partners, to ensure the health and safety of residents in Labrador.

Updates on conditions, resources and assistance will be made available continuously throughout this evolving situation. For the most up to date information, please visit www.gov.nl.ca and follow the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on Facebook and on X, formerly Twitter.

Shelter
Evacuees are strongly encouraged to register with Red Cross upon arrival in Happy Valley-Goose Bay; either,

• in-person at E.J. Broomfield Arena, located at 2 Broomfield Street;
• via telephone at 1-800-863-6582; or
• online at redcross.ca/labradorwildfires.

For those with pets, SPCA Happy Valley-Goose Bay is located on Winnipeg Street.

Provincial Fire Ban in Effect
A province-wide outdoor fire ban prohibiting setting of fires on forest land or within 300 metres of forest land is now in effect in Newfoundland and Labrador. The ban is authorized under the authority of section 99 of the Forestry Act.

Significant firefighting resources are currently dedicated to wildfire suppression near the communities of Labrador West. The province-wide outdoor fire ban will continue to help reduce wildfire risk and support the efforts of wildfire suppression teams actioning active fires.

For more information regarding the fire ban contact your local Forest Management District Office. The latest information on the location, status, and size of active wildfires can be viewed online at the NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.

Provincial fire hazard index maps are updated daily and can be viewed at the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website, along with information about campfires. To report a wildfire, call: 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).

Air quality
Air Quality Health Index related to forest fires in Labrador West is currently low risk. This expected to remain low for at least the next 24 to 36 hours. Visit Air Quality Health index for Labrador City for more information.

Forest fires can increase air pollution levels. Forest fire smoke contains particles and pollutants that can harm your health. For more information on what health impacts it can have and how to protect yourself, please see the backgrounder below.

Transportation
At this time, there are no impacts to the highway infrastructure in Labrador West.

Residents are reminded to be diligent as there is only one gas service station located in Churchill Falls, with additional service available by NL Hydro.

An additional ferry departure will be offered from Blanc Sablon this evening, prioritizing evacuees from Labrador City.

NL511 provides up-to-date information on driving conditions, highway cameras, major incidents, current ferry status updates, and weather.

Mental Health
An emergency event can lead to fear and anxiety. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, need support, or are looking for health information, call 811.

If you are feeling anxious and alone, you can also call the Lifewise Provincial Warm Line at 1-855-753-2560, seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. AST and 10:00 a.m. – midnight NST, to speak with a trained peer support worker who is there and ready to listen.

You can also visit Bridge the Gapp to access age-appropriate programs and services that are available locally, confidential and free.

Be Prepared
Emergencies can happen at any time and without warning. All households should have an emergency plan and kit ready. Municipalities, local service districts, power utilities and health authorities have emergency and contingency plans that are activated when the need arises. Detailed emergency preparedness advice, including a downloadable emergency kit checklist, is available at www.gov.nl.ca/beprepared.

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BACKGROUNDER

Air Quality During a Forest Fire

Milder and more common symptoms of smoke exposure include:

• Headaches
• A mild cough
• A runny nose
• Production of phlegm
• Eye, nose and throat irritation

These symptoms can typically be managed without medical intervention.

More serious symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Chest pains
• Severe cough
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing (including asthma attacks)
• Heart palpitations (irregular heart beat)

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to a health care provider, call 811, or seek medical attention. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 and seek immediate medical assistance.

Some people are at a higher risk of health problems when exposed to wildfire smoke including:

• Seniors
• Pregnant people
• Infants and young children
• People who work outdoors
• People involved in strenuous outdoor exercise
• People with an existing illness or chronic health conditions, such as:
  • cancer
  • diabetes
  • mental illness
  • lung or heart conditions

The best way to protect your health is to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke.

General:

• Pay attention to special air quality statements or other indicators of smoke levels. If necessary, limit outdoor activity and strenuous physical activities.
• If you need to work outdoors, check with your provincial or territorial occupational health and safety organization or your local health authority. They can provide guidance on how to work safely outdoors during wildfire smoke events.

Indoors and at home:

• Keep windows and doors closed as long as the temperature is comfortable.
• Turn off or use recirculation settings on your HVAC system to prevent smoke from entering your home.
• Use a clean, good quality air filter (for example, HEPA) in your ventilation system.
• Use an air purifier that uses HEPA filtration to remove smoke from your home. For more information on selecting an air purifier that is appropriate for your needs, refer to the “Using an air purifier to filter wildfire smoke” factsheet.
• Visit community centres, libraries, and shopping malls. These places often have cleaner filtered air and can provide a break from the smoke.
• Keep vehicle windows closed and set the ventilation system to recirculate.

Other recommendations to protect your health:

• Drink plenty of water to help your body cope with the smoke. Check on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more vulnerable to smoke.
• Avoid vacuuming and burning candles, incense or other materials.

If smoke is present for more than a few days:

• Stay active when you can. Try finding a place with clean air to exercise indoors, for instance at the gym, the community centre or at home. Consult the AQHI to look for breaks in the smoke to find opportunities to go outdoors.
• Don’t forget to take care of your mental health. It’s not unusual to feel anxious, stressed out, sad or isolated during a smoke event. Eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising and staying in contact with friends can help. Anyone who is having trouble coping with symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression should seek help from a health care provider.