Natural Resources
Advanced Education and Skills
June 28, 2013
Public Advisory: Provincial Government Outlines Action to Address Evacuation of Town of Wabush
The Provincial Government, in consultation with the Town of Wabush, has begun a mandatory evacuation of residents due to deteriorating air quality in the area, as a forest fire is burning in close proximity to the community. Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) is coordinating the Provincial Government response activities in Labrador.
Earlier this evening at approximately 9:00 p.m. Labrador time, the Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division recommended mandatory evacuation of the Town of Wabush due to air quality concerns as the forest fire is burning within four kilometres of the town. The weather forecast for tomorrow is not favourable in terms of wind speed and direction. Approximately 1,800 residents are impacted.
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 Canadian Red Cross. With an evacuation order now issued, the town will notify citizens street by street in accordance with its Emergency Plan. Those residents are being asked to go to the Labrador City Arts and Culture Centre, 503 Hudson Drive, where a reception centre has been set up. The majority of residents in need are being housed at IOC's vacant bunkhouses in Labrador City, while others are staying with family, friends, or in private accommodations. If required, additional space has also been secured at schools within the community.
The western flank of the fire is now approximately four kilometres from Wabush, and has been the main priority for suppression efforts this evening. The Cowboy Creek area is also a priority due to the number of cabins in the area. In addition to a dedicated Incident Management Team, assigned resources include four waterbombers, three helicopters, and 20 forest firefighters with 10 more scheduled to arrive this weekend.
The Trans Labrador Highway remains closed at this point between Labrador West and Churchill Falls.
Members of the RNC, who are assisting in the evacuation, continue to assist with matters of security during this evacuation period.
Officials continue to urge residents to heed the evacuation order and protect their personal safety. People are also reminded that there is a ban on open fires across Labrador effective today (Friday, June 28).
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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 28 10:15 p.m.