Fire suppression efforts working against Churchill Falls wildfires

CBC
·3-min read
NL Hydro CEO Jennifer Williams and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey say fire suppression efforts around Churchill Falls are working, but there's still more work to be done.
NL Hydro CEO Jennifer Williams and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey say fire suppression efforts around Churchill Falls are working, but there's still more work to be done. (Patrick Butler/CBC)

Fire suppression efforts over the weekend have continued working against wildfires threatening Churchill Falls in central Labrador.

Mark Lawlor, the provincial forest fire duty officer, says that as of Sunday the fire burning 17 kilometres from Churchill Falls is considered as being held, while the closer fire, seven kilometres from the town, has grown, but in the opposite direction.

Lawlor confirmed that two of the water bombers sent from Quebec to help in the fight had returned to their home province to tackle fires there.

For the time being, the town, which was evacuated last week, is safe. But Lawlor said that could change.

"That fire is still out of control and is still capable of, given the right conditions, that fire could get up and really get going again."

Big land with 'a bigger heart'

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey said in a news conference in Happy Valley-Goose Bay on Sunday that while the fire has still not crossed the Churchill River, crews are taking advantage of the reprieve.

"We have also taken extra measures and are now creating a fire break around the community," said Furey.

"That involves the use of heavy equipment to remove some trees and vegetation to eliminate potential fuel source if the fire does cross the river."

That fire break is 60 metres wide and eight to 10 kilometres long, so it will take days to complete.

Furey also thanked both crews battling the fires and those who have stepped in to help the displaced residents of Churchill Falls in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, where about 100 of the initial 750 evacuees still remain.

"Once again," said Furey, "incredibly grateful for the people of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and in Labrador in general. It's a big land, but it has a bigger heart, and it's on full display here in the last few days."

This photo, provided by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, shows the Churchill Falls fire on Wednesday, June 19. The fire has since shrunk in size.
This photo, provided by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, shows the Churchill Falls fire on Wednesday, June 19. The fire has since shrunk in size. (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)

A minimal staff has remained behind in Churchill Falls to maintain the massive hydroelectric plant, which supplies energy to both Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro CEO Jennifer Williams says even with a skeleton crew, she is confident they can outlast the fire.

"We do have people that we can switch out. We wouldn't want to do this for years, obviously. But we can outlast this fire, and we will do what we need to make sure the plant remains safe to operate as well."

Fire ban still on

As the fire could still change direction, no timeline has been set for a return to Churchill Falls.

Furey said that the province has put charter flights in place to take evacuees to Newfoundland, where many have family.

But he reiterated to people across the province who might want to help out that the best way to do so is to obey the provincial ban on open fires, which went into effect on Thursday.

"We really can't spare any resources right now. And that is a way that you can help the people of Churchill Falls," he said.

"That's something that you can do at home. Just respect the fire ban as it is in place. It's in place for a reason."

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