Natural Resources
Advanced Education and Skills
June 29, 2013
Public Advisory: Efforts Ongoing to Address Forest Fire in Labrador and Evacuation of Town of Wabush
The Provincial Government continues to work with emergency management partners and others to address the ongoing forest fire in Labrador. The fire is currently located approximately four kilometres from the Town of Wabush. An evacuation occurred last night due to deteriorating air quality conditions. There is no immediate fire hazard to homes or residents. The evacuation was precautionary.
Approximately 1,400 people have now registered at the reception centre in the Arts and Culture Centre in Labrador City. The majority of displaced individuals are staying with family and friends in Labrador City, while 45 are utilizing the IOC bunkhouse. There are still 79 people remaining in the community of Wabush, but emergency management personnel are in regular contact with them in the event the fire becomes a greater risk to the community. The evacuation last night was voluntary, but officials highly recommend that residents not take the risk of staying in their home with the forest fire burning so close to the community and smoke conditions being unpredictable.
The Department of Advanced Education and Skills Emergency Social Services response team report that residents were calm throughout the evacuation process. The response team wishes to acknowledge the support of the Red Cross and its 45 volunteers. Residents of Wabush have reported that the reception centre was very well organized. The reception centre remains operational at the current time and those who have yet to register are encouraged to do so immediately by calling 709-758-8416. Those without phone services should visit the reception centre in person. Messages for family members from those outside the province can be communicated via this telephone number as well. Red Cross volunteers will coordinate the delivery of messages as quickly as possible.
Landline telephone service has been affected by the fire but residents of Wabush can call 709-280-9011 in case of an emergency and residents of Labrador City can call 709-944-7602. Bell Aliant advises it has identified the break in the fibre optic line which has caused the landline telephone outage. The break is located within the fire zone and will take considerable time to fix but efforts are ongoing in this regard. Further updates will be provided.
The Town of Wabush has also issued a boil water advisory as waterbombers have been required to use the town’s reservoir for fire suppression due to smoke in the area. The town has distributed information to residents about how to properly treat water for consumption.
An assessment of the fire this morning showed that it did not grow significantly overnight. Smoke remains an issue however. It is making it difficult for aircraft to work in the area. The Department of Natural Resources continues to attack the portion of the fire closest to the town. Construction is also ongoing to complete the fire break which is an added measure to protect the town.
The Trans Labrador Highway remains closed between Labrador West and Churchill Falls
While this situation unfolds, further updates will be provided by the Provincial Government. Residents are encouraged to monitor local media for important messages which may need to be delivered quickly as the situation progresses.
The Provincial Government wishes to thank all those emergency responders, volunteers and others involved in fighting the fire and coordinating the evacuation efforts. There is a tremendously large effort occurring by all partners on behalf of the people of the region and their efforts are not going unnoticed.
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Media contacts:
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Bradley Power Public Relations Specialist Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-0857, 699-5707 bradleypower@gov.nl.ca |
Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
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John Tompkins Director of Communications Department of Advanced Education and Skills 709-729-0753 jtompkins@gov.nl.ca |
2013 06 29 3:45 p.m.