Natural Resources
Advanced Education and Skills
June 24, 2012
Public Advisory: Provincial Government Outlines Action to
Address
Evacuation of Labrador Communities
The Provincial Government has taken steps to protect the safety and security of the residents of North West River and Sheshatshiu, as forest fires burn close to the communities. Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) is coordinating the Provincial Government response activities in Labrador.
Overnight, the Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division recommended mandatory evacuation of North West River and the Innu First Nations community of Sheshashiu. Approximately 1,500 to 1,700 residents are impacted, prompting emergency management procedures among first responders and community partners.
Residents in need of accommodations are being assisted by the Emergency Social Services (ESS) division of the Department of Advanced Education and Skills and the Federal Government, through the Department of National Defence. Over 1,000 individuals have registered with ESS, with more than 700 requiring accommodations. The majority of residents in need are being housed at Canadian Forces Base Goose Bay, with some being accommodated in available hotel space in the community in an effort to ensure their continued safety. Others are staying with family, friends, or in private accommodations. If required, additional space has also been secured at schools within the community. The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay has set up a hotline for the members of the general public requiring more information 709-896-3321.
Route 520 to North West River and Sheshatshiu has been closed to the general public and access has been limited to emergency vehicles.
As of this morning, forestry crews report heavy smoke in the two evacuated communities. The fire is reported to have progressed approximately one kilometre overnight and is burning approximately 30 kilometres from the nearest communities. In addition to the resources already tasked, more equipment and personnel will be on site today including a waterbomber out of Gander and two additional waterbombers out of Quebec.
Members of the RCMP, who assisted in the evacuation, continue to assist with matters of security during this evacuation period. Volunteer fire department members currently remain in North West River and Sheshatshiu in an effort to minimize the potential impact of the forest fires on community infrastructure and private property.
Officials continue to urge residents to heed the evacuation order and protect their personal safety. People are reminded that there is a ban on open fires across Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Media contacts:
| Cheryl Gullage Public Relations Specialist Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-0857, 631-9962 cherylgullage@gov.nl.ca |
Heather Maclean Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282, 697-4137 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
| Lisa Lawlor Department of Advanced Education and Skills Communications Manager 709-729-1795, 693-9402 lisalawlor@gov.nl.ca |
2012 06 24 2:15 p.m.