The Department of Forestry is clarifying information on firefighting efforts in Port Hope Simpson which has declared a State of Emergency due to a wildfire in the area.
The department says the safety of the town and its residents is of utmost importance.
Emergency Management staff are working with the town and a helicopter will remain on-site overnight and will be on the ready in the morning.
The local fire department will be keeping a close eye on the fire overnight.
The department says waterbombers can only fly for about four hours at a time, and then they need to land for fuel and foam. The pilots are also required to take scheduled safety breaks.
Each waterbomber can complete two four-hour missions a day if time allows. Flight time from Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Port Hope Simpson is about one hour and that gives the scheduled waterbomber flight time of approximately two hours to work the fire before having to return for fuel.
The department says there was not enough time Wednesday evening for a second waterbomber mission because of darkness.
The waterbomber in Happy Valley-Goose Bay will be sent to the area to work the fire tomorrow morning and a second aircraft, if necessary, will be sent out from Gander.
The waterbomber in Happy Valley-Goose Bay will be on the ready at 9:00 a.m., and the second aircraft, in Gander, will be ready at 10:00 a.m. However, the department says, waterbombers cannot fly if the temperature is 7 degrees or lower, which is close to the forecast temperature for the overnight hours.
The department says the situation will be assessed in the morning.
Earlier story
A State of Emergency has been declared in Port Hope Simson due to a wildfire in the area.
Residents are being advised to be prepared to evacuate on a moment’s notice.
A water bomber and helicopter have been dispatched to the area to fight the blaze.
Residents are being advised to follow officials channels for the most up-to-date information.
Further information will be shared as details are confirmed.
Earlier Story
Waterbombers are on-site as crews battle a wildfire burning in Labrador near the community of Port Hope Simpson.
According to a Facebook post from the town of Charlottetown, volunteer fire departments from their town and Mary’s Harbour are en route to assist.
A fire developing within the town limits of Port Hope Simpson (John Martin/Facebook)
At this time, Port Hope Simpson has not declared a state of emergency, nor is there an evacuation order.
All residents in the area are asked to monitor the situation and official communications closely.
