Furey delivers 'good news' as weather favourable for fighting Labrador fires
The wildfire near Labrador City is still burning out of control, but Premier Andrew Furey was optimistic on Sunday.
In a news conference on Sunday, Furey said weather conditions are favourable to stamp out the blaze.
"We have some good news today. There is no significant growth in the size of the fire that is just northwest of Lab City," Furey told reporters shortly after 2 p.m. NT.
Stay informed with the latest wildfire news and information at The Weather Network's wildfire hub page.
The fire has burned through about 14,000 hectares so far and is about four kilometres northwest of the community — the same as Saturday.
Light rain, lower temperatures, a lower humidex and the wind blowing east and northeast is pushing the fire away from the town and onto itself, limiting its fuel source.
The fire is considered Category One, meaning it's smoldering with less smoke and open flames.
"It will allow for the hard working women and men in the fire suppression service to really have an excellent day today," Furey said.
Four water bombers are fighting on the eastern front of the fire. Six to eight are fighting on the western side from Quebec.
"This should be an excellent day for suppression, an excellent day for mitigation," Furey said.
But it's still too early to say when people can expect to return home. Neighbouring Wabush residents are still under an evacuation alert.
"Things can change very rapidly," he said. "So just bear with us."
Labrador City evacuated Friday night due to a nearby wildfire while Wabush remains on alert Saturday. (Darryl Dinn/CBC)
The provincial government will also announce on Monday the details of a financial assistance program for evacuees, similar to the financial assistance given to residents of Port aux Basques who were forced out of their homes — many of which were destroyed — during Hurricane Fiona.
In a statement on Sunday afternoon, federal Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan said he approved the province's request for assistance and the Government Operations Centre is working to coordinate and mobilize federal resources.
Resources will last
Furey said there are enough resources to aid evacuees for some time in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
About 700 people are currently staying at the 5 Wing Goose Bay military base, 150 at E.J. Broomfield Memorial Arena, 150 at the College of the North Atlantic and 150 at the YMCA.
Furey said there is capacity for more, especially at smaller shelters should people choose to continue on from Churchill Falls.
Further, a Children, Seniors and Social Development desk will be set up at the arena to help evacuees with complex needs.
Health and gasoline
The hospital in Labrador City remains closed.
Furey said Wabush residents can expect an ambulatory walk-in clinic to begin operation in the town. Its exact location is still to be announced, but it will be by appointment only through calling 811.
He said challenges with gasoline supply have been resolved and the government is in contact with local grocery stores about food supply.
(Dozens of cars from Labrador City were lined up outside of Churchill Falls Friday night to get gas before continuing east to Happy Valley-Goose Bay. (Submitted by Larry Flemming)
In Labrador City, the majority of residents have evacuated but there are still essential workers — police and health-care workers — remaining behind along with Mayor Belinda Adams some town staff.
Beginning this week, a fire crew will be stationed in Wabush and will be on standby as more resources come through.
As the wildfire continues to burn, Happy Valley-Goose Bay Mayor George 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.
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.
Header satellite image courtesy of NOAA.
This article, written by Arlette Lazarenko, was originally published for CBC News. It contains files from Heidi Atter.
