The forest fire threatening Churchill Falls has jumped the river, increasing the risk to the town and the generating station, Premier Andrew Furey announced Tuesday.

There had been about 100 essential workers still in Churchill Falls, but they have since been evacuated.

Meanwhile, N.L. Hydro is bringing in power from Quebec after the fire caused two transmission lines to trip, leaving Labrador West without power.

“We’re working to restore power for customers in Lab City with backup power via Fermont,” N.L. Hydro said on social media. “To help us restore power for as many customers as possible, please conserve, turn down AC, reduce hot water and appliance use. … For our Wabush customers, unfortunately power will be off overnight. Please be prepared for the possibility of extended outages that may continue over the next several days due to the ongoing fires.”

Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services also advised of a telephone outages currently being experienced in Labrador West. Access to 911, 811 and telephone lines at Labrador West Health Centre may be impacted.

“If you are unable to reach 911 in an emergency after trying to call from both your cell phone and landline, the public is advised to present at the nearest emergency department,” N.L. Health Services posted online. “The Labrador West Health Centre remains open and emergency services continue to be available to the public.”

The Churchill Falls Generating Station advised the public last night that a controlled water release was underway, from the upper Churchill reservoir at the Jacopie Spillway.

NL Hydro says they did lower the water level in the reservoir as a precautionary measure. The corporation says water management is an important consideration in maintaining production and protecting the plant assets.

In addition to the evacuation zone, the public is advised to avoid the following areas:

• Jacopie and Whitefish Spillways, including boat launch areas;
• The Churchill River Bed downstream of the Jacopie Spillway;
• The Churchill River Walking Trail; and
• East and west forebay water storage areas located north of the community of Churchill Falls