Waterbombers deployed after another blazing wildfire near Happy Valley-Goose Bay
A wildfire blazed this weekend just north of Happy Valley-Goose Bay in Labrador. It was one of 43 forest fires that's ravaged parts of Labrador this year. (Submitted by Robert Dawe)
Thick and heavy smoke filled the Labrador skies once again on Saturday as a forest fire broke out on Courte Real Road, a few kilometres outside of town in Happy-Valley Goose Bay.
The fire, which was deemed out of control, did not cause any damage to properties or nearby infrastructure, says provincial forest fire duty officer Laurie Holloway.
A water bomber and several ground crews responded to the flames, which were soon brought under control, Holloway said.
Holloway says apart from the firefighting efforts, periods of rain in the area were also helpful in managing the fire.
There are currently four active wildfires in the province; three of which are in Labrador. Although the fires burning in Ship Harbour and Kenamu River are labelled out of control by the provincial active wildfire dashboard, the one in eastern part of Newfoundland remains contained.
Holloway says the fire burning at the south of Happy-Valley Goose Bay bears no risk to residents, but the department is keeping a close eye on it.
"We still have risks of fire even though it's September," said Holloway. "I'd encourage residents to be very diligent in their activities, especially the ones who decide to camp."
The officer also cautions people about putting out fire before they leave their camps, while regularly monitoring the wildlife dashboard for any fire bans in their town.
According to the provincial wildfire data, there have been 84 wildfires in the Newfoundland and Labrador this year so far, with over 50 per cent of them in Labrador.
Approximately 27 of the forest fires burned in the eastern part of Newfoundland and 14 of them were to the west.
Dozens of forest fires ravaged parts of Labrador earlier this year, driving thousands of evacuees out of their homes in Labrador city and Churchill Falls.
"This year was definitely a bigger year compared to previous forest fire seasons," said Holloway. "But with the help of some precipitation we can hope for the fires to be under control soon."
The forest fire season for Newfoundland and Labrador officially ends on Sept. 30.
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