Canada: Emergency crews continue working to contain wildfires in central Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador Province, as of July 3 /update 2

Emergency crews continue working to contain wildfires burning across central Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador Province, as of July 3. The Mount Hyde Lake Wildfire and Twin Falls Wildfire started June 13 and have affected around 5,896 hectares (14,569 acres) and 1,824 hectares (4,507 acres) respectively. The Twin Falls Fire has since been declared under control, but the Mount Hyde Lake fire remains out of control and has jumped the Churchill River; it is threatening the town of Churchill Falls but remains around 3-4 km (2-2.5 miles) from the town. Authorities issued evacuation orders for Churchill Falls June 18. All essential workers who had remained were evacuated June 25, including the nearby hydroelectric generating station that supplies electricity to Labrador and Quebec; some of the power plant staff have been able to return in recent days and the plant remains operational. Power disruptions are possible in the region over the coming days. The fire previously caused power outages in Labrador City and Wabush due to flames and dropped water tripping power lines at Churchill Falls.

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.