Port Hope Simpson declares state of emergency, residents told to be prepared to evacuate due to wildfire
Residents of Port Hope Simpson in Labrador have been warned to be ready to evacuate if needed as a fire burns just off the highway in the community. The town has since posted on Facebook that it has declared a state of emergency.
Police and firefighters are on the scene and a waterbomber was on site Thursday, but has been replaced by a helicopter overnight.
The provincial government released a statement on the availability of the waterbomber overnight:
“Emergency Management staff are working closely with the town regarding the wildfire in the community. A helicopter will remain in Port Hope Simpson overnight and be available for actioning fire tomorrow.
“The local fire department will set a watch overnight to monitor the fire.
“Waterbombers can only fly for approximately four hours at a time, then they need to land for fuel and foam requirements. The pilots are also required to take scheduled safety breaks.
“Each bomber can complete two four-hour missions per day if time allows. Flight time from Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Port Hope Simpson is approximately an hour, that gives the schedule waterbomber flight time of approx. two hours to work the fire before having to return for fuel. There was not enough time this evening (Wednesday, September 2) for a second mission due to darkness.
“Tomorrow (Thursday, September 3), the waterbomber located in Happy Valley Goose Bay will work the fire. If a second one is required, it will come from Gander.
“The Happy Valley- Goose Bay waterbomber will be on the ready at 9:00 a.m. The waterbomber located in Gander will be on ready at 10:00 a.m. Of important note, waterbombers cannot fly if the temperature is 7 degrees or lower. Temperatures overnight are getting down close to that, so staff need to ensure temperatures are within flight safety parameters.
“It is also important to be mindful of assigned daily duty time (for the pilots) before the afternoon/evening period when fire activity typically increases.
“Department staff will assess the situation early tomorrow morning and advise on aerial suppression resources.”
Labrador MP Philip Earle also posted online about the fire:
“A wildfire is currently burning in the Port Hope Simpson area. Residents are being advised to prepare for the possibility of evacuation and to remain alert for further instructions from local authorities,” Earle wrote. “Our thoughts are with the residents, firefighters and emergency personnel responding to this situation. Please stay safe and look after one another.”
Charlottetown and Mary’s Harbour are also providing fire fighting resources.
“The Charlottetown Volunteer Fire Department and Mary’s Harbour Volunteer Fire Department are en route to assist with the response,” the Town of Charlottetown posted.”