Fire ban implemented in Labrador City
Being familiar with the dangers of wildfires, Labrador City Mayor Jordan Brown is hoping everyone in the region respects the fire ban that was put in place on Wednesday.
"The possibility is always there. It's always in the back of your mind," he told CBC News on Wednesday.
The province's fire hazard map is showing a very high risk of fires in Western Labrador. This means open fires and outdoor burning are banned. Extreme caution is needed for any activities on forested land, including ATV use and operating machinery.
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No open fires
Brown said the town is prepared to respond, but he hopes a serious situation does not materialize.
"And we want to make sure residents understand they play a big role in prevention. Don't be burning brush, don't have open fires, don't have these things when the index in this high," he said.
Brown also asked people to consider cleaning up debris on their properties that might serve as fuel for fires, collecting stray glass and properly disposing of cigarette butts.
"We want to make sure residents understand recklessness and not paying attention to what you're doing can cause serious damage in the community, and it could destroy lives of residents around here."
While data for the nearby Churchill Falls region was marked "unavailable" on the province's fire hazard map as of early Thursday morning, a community notice sent to residents Wednesday afternoon said its fire index has been upgraded to "very high."
That means open fires and outdoor burning are banned for the time being, permits to burn are cancelled, and extreme caution is required for activity on forested land.
The fire hazard map for Newfoundland and Labrador shows a very high risk of fire in Western Labrador on Wednesday. (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.)
Despite some cool temperatures, brush fires of concern have already made a mark this year in the province. In early May, a water bomber was called to help beat down a fast-spreading wildfire in Flatrock. The fire had covered about four hectares. It's not clear how that fire started.
The province also marked a year since a fire in the Town of Small Point-Adam's Cove-Blackhead-Broad Cove destroyed 12 homes. It kicked off a destructive wildfire season, with multiple evacuations and the loss of more than 200 homes and a school, Cabot Academy.
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the Kingston wildfire in August caused more than $70 million in insured property damage. There was also significant uninsured damage and personal trauma.
In 2024, a wildfire near Happy Valley-Goose Bay led to a state of emergency being declared. Weeks later, a separate fire forced thousands of people in Labrador City from their homes.
This article, written by Ashley Fitzpatrick, was originally published for CBC News.