Furey delivers 'good news' update as weather conditions favourable for fighting Labrador fires

The wildfire near Labrador City is still burning out of control, but Premier Andrew Furey was optimisticon Sunday.

In a news conference on Sunday, Furey said weather conditions are favourable to stamp out the blaze.

"We have some good news today. There is no significant growth in the size of the fire that is just northwest of Lab City," Furey told reporters shortly after 2 p.m. NT.

The fire has burned through about14,000 hectares so far and is about four kilometres northwest ofthe community the same as Saturday.

Light rain,lower temperatures, a lower humidex and the wind blowing east and northeast is pushing the fire away from the town andonto itself, limiting its fuel source.

The fire is considered Category One,meaning it's smoldering withless smoke and open flames.

"It will allow for the hard working women and men in the fire suppression service to really have an excellent day today," Furey said.

Four water bombers are fighting on the eastern front of the fire. Six to eight are fighting on the western side from Quebec.

"This should be an excellent day for suppression, an excellent day for mitigation," Furey said.

WATCH | Wildfire evacuees arrive in Happy Valley Goose Bay for second time:

Wildfire evacuees seek shelter in Happy Valley Goose Bay, N.L.

3 months ago

Duration 2:02

As crews work to fight a wildfire near Labrador City, N.L., many evacuees have arrived in Happy Valley Goose Bay, where emergency shelters have been set up but the options are limited for people with pets or accessibility needs.

But it's still too early to say when people can expect to return home. NeighbouringWabush residents are still under an evacuation alert.

"Things can change very rapidly," he said. "So just bear with us."

The provincial government will also announce on Monday the details ofa financial assistance program forevacuees, similar to the financial assistance given toresidents of Port aux Basqueswho were forced out of their homes many of which were destroyed duringHurricane Fiona.

In a statement on Sunday afternoon, federal Emergency Preparedness MinisterHarjit Sajjansaid he approved the province's request for assistanceand the Government Operations Centre is working to coordinate and mobilize federal resources.

Resources will last

Furey said there areenough resources to aid evacuees for some time in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

About700 people are currently staying at the 5 Wing Goose Bay military base, 150 atE.J. Broomfield Memorial Arena, 150 at theCollege of the North Atlantic and 150 at the YMCA.

Furey said thereis capacity for more, especially at smaller shelters should people choose to continue on from Churchill Falls.

Further, a Children, Seniors and Social Developmentdesk will be set up at the arena to help evacuees with complex needs.

Health and gasoline

The hospital in Labrador City remainsclosed.

Furey said Wabush residents can expect an ambulatory walk-in clinic to begin operation in the town. Itsexact location is still to be announced, but it will be by appointment only through calling 811.

He said challenges with gasoline supply havebeen resolved and the government is in contact with local grocery stores about food supply.

In Labrador City, the majority of residents have evacuated but there are still essential workers policeand health-care workers remaining behind along withMayor Belinda Adamssome town staff.

Beginning this week, a fire crew will be stationed in Wabush and will be on standby asmore resources come through.

As the wildfirecontinues to burn, Happy Valley-Goose Bay Mayor George Andrews saidthe town is ready to help for the long haul if need be.

"We don't foresee any challenges in that regard because today the Red Cross has arrived and they'll be arriving with their full team in the next day or so," he said.

But the town is still looking for moreaccommodations for evacuees, specifically forpeople with pets and accessible lodging.

"That seems to be two of our bigger challenges. Outside of that, the rest has been running smoothly," he said.

WATCH | Premier Andrew Furey delivers latest details on wildfire near Labrador City:

Newfoundland and Labrador premier says weather is favourable for fight against wildfire near Labrador City

3 months ago

Duration 2:07

At a press conference Sunday afternoon, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey delivered the latest update on the development of the wildfire burning near Labrador City. Furey said Sundays forecast is looking positive and water bombers are able to fight the fire on two fronts.

Better weather

Rodney Barney, a meteorologist withEnvironment Canada's Gander weather office, told CBC NewsLabrador West had light rainfall Saturday night that will continue to Sunday morning.

Barney saidthe wind is moderate and blowing in the right direction pushing the fire and smoke away from Labrador City.

Temperatures are at 11 C, with a high of 22 C during the day beforecooling down Sunday night.

"Tomorrow in Labrador West it looks quite wet," Barney said. "We're looking at showers throughout the day, as much as 10 millimetresin the forecast."

As of Sunday morning, there are 13 wildfires burning in the province all in Labrador.

Download ourfree CBC News appto sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador.Click here to visit our landing page.