Work continues on Labrador wildfires with extra support from Nova Scotia

Work continues on Labrador wildfires with extra support from Nova Scotia

5 wildfires still active around Labrador West communities as additional support arrives

Fire response teams will be busy in Labrador this weekend, particularly in Labrador West where crews are strategically soaking areas ahead of a forecast of hot, dry weather on Monday and Tuesday.

As of Friday night, an evacuation order remains in place for the area of Walsh River. Evacuation alerts remain for Duley Lake, Throne Lake and the area of the Tamarack Golf Course. Anyone in areas under an alert should be prepared to leave on short notice if conditions change.

In an update on the ongoing fire response Friday evening, the provincial forestry department said the weather through the end of the week helped fire suppression efforts.

It stated aircraft — waterbombers and helicopters — are tasked over the weekend to soak the perimeter of the Walsh River wildfire. Ground crews are being sent within the boundaries of the fire. Members of the Labrador City Fire Department are going to help with protection of structures, using a sprinkler trailer.

"Additional ground crew personnel from the province and from Nova Scotia will be in Labrador this weekend to assist," the update states.

The plan is to also soak the perimeters of other fires around Labrador City and Wabush.

As of 1:30 p.m. NT on Saturday, two of the five wildfires active around Labrador West are listed as being held, being the fires at Blueberry Hill and De Mille Lake. The Fifth Lake, Swanson Lake and Walsh River fires are listed as out of control.

A blanket fire ban remains in effect for all of Labrador.

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Ashley Fitzpatrick is a reporter with CBC News based in St. John’s. She can be reached at ashley.fitzpatrick@cbc.ca.