Thousands Heed Lab City Evacuation Order, Head East to Goose Bay

The exodus of residents from Labrador City continued overnight as a fast-moving forest fire threatens the town.

The evacuation order came down shortly before 6 p.m. Friday evening, putting the wheels in motion to move almost 10,000 people east, with most heading for the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay more than 500 kms away.

That town is now welcoming displaced residents from Lab City, just as they did a few weeks ago for evacuees from Churchill Falls.

While Lab City is being evacuated, the neighbouring town of Wabush remains under an evacuation alert with residents advised to be ready to leave on short notice as well.

Forestry officials say the fire bearing down on Labrador City from the northwest has the potential to get much closer to both towns over the next 24 to 36 hours.

Efforts to douse the flames from the sky with helicopters and waterbombers had to be suspended due to the extreme heat and smoke.

In a Facebook live video early this morning, Labrador City Mayor Belinda Adams urged people to heed the evacuation order.

Anyone in need of assistance should call either 700-944-5537 or 709-944-7832.

As of late Friday, there were 11 active wildfires in Labrador and current weather conditions and forecasts are not helping, with mostly dry conditions continuing with temperatures in the mid-20s, although there is a chance of showers in the region today.

Real-time updates are available on the provincial government’s NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.

As well, information on general emergency preparedness can also be found online.