Weather created an 'extremely aggressive inferno' as crews continue to battle fire near Labrador City
CBC
The wildfire near Labrador City is still posing challenges on Saturday 9,600 residents continue to evacuate.
In an update Saturday afternoon, Premier Andrew Furey said the fire is about six kilometres northwest of the community and about one kilometre from the landfill.
"It was basically deemed fully under control, if not fully out, on Monday and Tuesday this week. Essentially, yesterday morning it started to smoulder a bit and gain some momentum," Furey told reporters during a virtual news conference in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
"Around mid-day the weather conditions changed with what is the perfect fire condition, if you will, for spread."
The fire had spread from what was 600 hectares and "fairly controlled" to over 10,000 hectares.
It moved 21 kilometres in just four hours, Furey said.
"Just an extremely aggressive inferno just outside of Labrador City and led to a very quickly and rapidly changing situation for the residents," he said.
Crews are fighting the fire on two fronts on Saturday. Three water bombers from Newfoundland and Labrador are fighting it from the east and water bombers from Quebec fighting it from the west.
Furey said requests for assistance have been made to other provinces and the federal government for help in taming the fire.
Furey said the forecast is favourable enough to keep residents of nearby Wabush on stand by but still ready to evacuate.
Gasoline supply is an issue as thousands of resident had to fill up on the road to Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Furey said government is aware and looking to secure alternative sources.
Furey also issued a fire ban for the entire province.
The Labrador West Health Centre in Labrador City fully evacuated patients overnight and emergency services are closed until further notice.
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