Forest fires: stable situation in Churchill Falls, but the province is prepared for the worst | Forest fires in Canada

An intervention plan for the Churchill Falls power station is ready, in the event that the situation deteriorates and employees still on site must be evacuated, authorities indicated during a press briefing on Sunday afternoon.

The Prime Minister Andrew Furey provided an update of the situation to Churchill Falls during a press briefing held at Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

He said he spoke with many evacuees. Several of them told him they felt anxiety, but also recognized that the authorities are doing their best in these difficult circumstances.

Although both blazes were calmer in the morning, they predictably gained intensity in the afternoon.

Although the fire fortunately remains on the south bank of the river Churchillwe can be sure of very few things for the future, maintains Andrew Furey.

No matter what we predict today, the only thing that would be right is that we are probably wronghe said during the press briefing.

According to the Prime Minister, there remain around 100 evacuees Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the others having traveled elsewhere in the province, most thanks to charter flights organized by Hydro NL.

A spokesperson for Hydro Newfoundland and Labrador indicated that an intervention plan is ready for the power station. Churchill Falls if the situation deteriorates.

A firewall will also be erected. It will be 60 meters wide and 8 to 10 kilometers long. It will take several days before it is completed. The dam can be monitored remotely if the small team still stationed at the power station needs to be evacuated.

One of two fires near Churchill Falls is under control

The forest fire that has been raging since Wednesday 17 km west of Churchill Falls has been brought under control, according to the Newfoundland and Labrador Fire Department.

Our operations team is prepared to declare the fire currently under control, meaning they believe we have sufficient resources to control the fire. It was a victory for us yesterdayMark said. Lawlorthe Newfoundland and Labrador wildfire management officer, Sunday morning.

For two days, this fire along the Trans-Labrador Highway has covered an area of ​​1816 hectares.

The most threatening fire, located 7 km southwest of Churchill Falls is still not under control. On Friday, firefighters managed to slow the progression of this 1,556 hectare blaze.

The fire was contained within its perimeterMark reiterated Lawlor, Sunday. It must be said that it has grown a little.

The fire is not yet under control, so it is possible that it will get bigger and start again.

The good news, he continues, is that the fire did not cross the Churchill River and that it moved slightly south, in the opposite direction of the municipality and the power station, confirmed authorities late Sunday afternoon.

Churchill Falls”,”text”:”He was stopped from heading towards Churchill Falls”}}”>We prevented him from heading towards Churchill Fallsexplains Mark Lawlor.

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Air tankers and helicopters rushed to the scene on Saturday, and the fight against the flames continued on Sunday.

The weather conditions in the coming days will be similar to those of Saturday, adds Mr. Lawlor. Dry weather and rather strong winds are expected.

According to Mark Lawlor, the two tanker planes sent by Quebec as reinforcements to fight the fires in Labrador were repatriated this morning to tackle the fires on the North Shore.

It is not a good thinghe worries.

A spokesperson for the Forest Fire Protection Society confirmed that it tankers and the air-sighting aircraft which were loaned to Newfoundland and Labrador last Thursday.”,”text”:”has decided to repatriate the two air-tankers and the air-sighting aircraft which were loaned to Newfoundland and Labrador last Thursday.”}}”>has decided to repatriate the two air tankers and the air-sighting aircraft that were loaned to Newfoundland and Labrador last Thursday.

The planes completed their last mission in Labrador on Saturday the 22nd, these aircraft will re-enter our suppression operations this afternoon, Sunday the 23rd. They are available for watering missions for the fires currently raging on the North Shore of Quebec.

Thus, there are only six aircraft left, including two from Ontario, to fight the blazes raging in Labrador.

A request was, however, made to obtain new water bombers. Saskatchewan has answered the call, and two air tankers from that province are expected to arrive tomorrow.

Status quo for evacuees

There are approximately 750 residents and subcontractors who work at Churchill Falls to have been evacuated towards Happy Valley-Goose Bay since Wednesday.

Churchill Falls, unfortunately we again have no estimate of how long it will be before they can return home”,”text”:”For the residents of Churchill Falls, unfortunately we still have no estimate times no estimate of how long it will be before they can return home”}}”>For residents of Churchill Fallsunfortunately we again have no estimate of how long it will be before they can return homeMark said. Lawlor, Sunday morning.

Hydro Newfoundland and Labrador remains very proactive in informing evacuated citizens (New window) of the progress of the situation, says Mark Lawlor.

Assistance is offered to employees so that they can travel to their loved ones elsewhere in the province.

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As of Sunday, nine wildfires were active in Labrador and eight of them were not yet under control, according to the province.

As the first weekend of summer is officially underway, Mark Lawlor is cautiously optimistic about the 2024 fire season.

Fortunately, we now have sufficient resources to deal with the situation.he said. But, when the weather changes and becomes dry, as is currently the case in Quebec, things can change very quickly.

A ban on open fires is in effect for the entire province.

With information from Patrick Butler and CBC