(St. John’s) The open fire ban has been lifted on the island of Newfoundland, but remains in effect in Labrador, where the threat of wildfires persists.
In Labrador, it is illegal for anyone to light a fire in the forest or within 300 meters of a forest.
The province says it has deployed significant resources to fight fires near the evacuated community of Churchill Falls in Labrador and that the ban will help reduce the risk of new fires.
Fire officials said Thursday that rainy conditions and cooler temperatures expected in central Labrador have dampened the wildfire. They also warned that more work is needed to contain the flames.
In an update Thursday evening, Crown corporation Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro said it had begun planning for the return of residents to Churchill Falls.
The company said a small team was being sent into the community to assess health and safety concerns.
It says the fire did not reach any homes, buildings or other infrastructure, but continued to burn about four kilometers from the community.