Canada: Emergency crews working to contain wildfires in central Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador Province, as of June 26 /update 1

Emergency crews are working to contain multiple wildfires burning across central Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador Province, as of June 26. The Mount Hyde Lake Wildfire and Twin Falls Wildfire started June 13 and have affected around 1,556 hectares (3,845 acres) and 1,816 hectares (4,487 acres), respectively. The Twin Falls Fire is currently being held but the Mount Hyde Lake fire remains out of control and has jumped the Churchill River; it is threatening but has not yet entered the town of Churchill Falls. Authorities issued evacuation orders for Churchill Falls June 18 and all essential workers who had remained were evacuated June 25, including the nearby hydroelectric generating station that supplies electricity to Labrador and Quebec. The plant remains online but at a reduced load and is being monitored remotely; power disruptions are possible in the region over the coming days. The fire has already caused power outages in Labrador City and Wabush due to flames and dropped water tripping power lines at Churchill Falls. Light rainfall is forecast in the region June 26, which may aid firefighting efforts.

Depending on the progression of the wildfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities will likely close additional routes within the wildfire complexes and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operators. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region. Wildfires may damage power lines and other electricity infrastructure; intermittent power outages are possible in affected areas until restoration work is complete.