Fire near Labrador City still out of control but wet weather is expected to help

The wildfire burning near Labrador West is still deemed out of control as of Sunday morning, but a light rainfall over night and favourable winds are helping the cause. 

The fire has burned through 14,000 hectares so far, George Gibbons, provincial forest fire duty officer, told CBC News Sunday morning.

Gibbons said the area is dangerously hot, meaning crews can’t fight the fire from the ground just yet.

Four Newfoundland and Labrador water bombers are covering the east and south portions of the fire and Quebec water bombers are fighting it from the west.

“There are priority areas and that’s the infrastructure there. That’s what we’re trying to protect,” said Gibbons.

“We’re hoping that they’ll be able to maintain and hold that perimeter again today.”

Beginning this week, a crew will be stationed in Wabush and will be on standby as more resources come through, he said.

The town of Wabush remains on evacuation alert.

George Andrews, mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, said on Sunday just under 4,000 evacuees have registered. The province is strongly encouraging anyone who left from Labrador City to register.

He said that doesn’t mean all of them are in a shelter in the city, as some are in hotels, staying with family and friends or continued on the road further to the south coast.

As the wildfire continues to burn, Andrews said the town is ready to help for the long haul if need be.

“We don’t foresee any challenges in that regard because today the Red Cross has arrived and they’ll be arriving with their full team in the next day or so,” he said.

The town is pacing its workers and volunteers in case evacuees can’t return to their homes any time soon.

Andrews said there is a lot of support from residents, the province and 5 Wing Goose Bay to provide spaces, food and water to anyone in need.

But the town is still looking for more accommodations for evacuees, specifically for people with pets and accessible lodging. 

“That seems to be two of our bigger challenges. Outside of that, the rest has been running smoothly,” he said.

Better weather

Rodney Barney, a meteorologist with Environment Canada’s Gander weather office, told CBC News Labrador West had light rainfall Saturday night that will continue to Sunday morning.

Barney said the wind is moderate and blowing in the right direction — pushing the fire and smoke away from Labrador City.

Temperatures are at 11 C, with a high of 22 C during the day before cooling down Sunday night.

“Tomorrow in Labrador West it looks quite wet,” Barney said. “We’re looking at showers throughout the day, as much as 10 millimetres in the forecast.”

As of Sunday morning, there are 13 wildfires burning in the province — all in Labrador.

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