UPDATE: Cabin area at Walsh River near Labrador City being evacuated as new wildfire burns
A new fire has been reported approximately eight kiloemtres km west of Labrador City north of Route 500 and west of Walsh River.
The Department of Forestry says waterbombers are currently actioning the fire. The cabin area at Walsh River is being evacuated. Further updates will be provided as soon as available.
The RNC has been advised by the Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands of an EVACUATION ORDER affecting the Walsh River area just outside of Labrador City. Those in this area are required to leave immediately.
Additionally, an EVACUATION ALERT is being issued for areas of the Duley Park Campground and the Tamarack Golf Course. Those here are advised to prepare now in the event conditions worsen and an evacuation is necessary.
The RNC is working with emergency responders in the area and will continue to support the wildfire response efforts.
The RNC reminds all drivers to have patience and follow the instruction of emergency personnel on scene. For the safety of all, do not stop or exit your vehicle on a roadway.
The RNC thanks the public for their co-operation and assistance.
Original Story:
Officials from the Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands say they are monitoring multiple wildfires in the Labrador region. New wildfires were assessed and mapped on Sunday bringing the current number posted on the NL Active Wildfires dashboard to 17 as of 9 p.m. Sunday night. None of these wildfires are considered to be a risk to communities at this time.
Additional personnel from the island, as well as suppression aircraft from the provincial fleet and a bird dog crew from New Brunswick, are on site in Labrador.
Monitoring continues on the wildfire at Emerillon Lake South, which remains classified as Under Control with low activity today.
The South Side Churchill River and Mokami wildfires remain classified as Being Held.
Suppression activities continued on the two fires at Miron River today due to their proximity to the Trans-Labrador Highway and NL Hydro transmission line, with suppression aircraft and crews in place for tomorrow.
The wildfires burning north of Grand Lake are being monitored and do not pose a threat to any communities at this time.
Smoke plumes from these fires may be visible from North West River, Sheshatshui, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Hopedale and Natuashish. The department continues to monitor active wildfires in remote locations and will action accordingly if suppression is required.
Residents in the region can expect to see significant smoke plumes visible from the Trans-Labrador Highway in the Miron River area, Shallow Lake area, and in sections from Ross Bay Junction and Sept Isles along the QNS&L Railway.
Conditions remain hot and dry in the Labrador region, with the Fire Weather Index at high, very high and extreme in some areas. Permits to Burn brush and other materials are suspended and fireworks and sky lanterns are banned in these areas.
All outdoor fires, including campfires, are banned in areas where the Fire Weather Index is very high or extreme.
All residents of Newfoundland and Labrador are reminded to use caution and do their part to help prevent wildfires.
Check the NL Active Wildfires link at gov.nl.ca/fal/wildfiremanagement/ for further updates.
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