Crews hope to fight Labrador forest fire from air and ground today

WABUSH, N.L. – Authorities are hoping to put ground crews into action today to fight a forest fire in western Labrador which has forced the evacuation of a small mining town.

The community of Wabush declared a state of emergency and evacuated the majority of its residents to neighbouring Labrador city on Friday night due to air quality concerns.

By Sunday 1,682 displaced residents had registered with the Canadian Red Cross, although 79 people chose to disregard the voluntary evacuation order and stayed in their homes.

Officials say the fire is “still out of control” and it’s still not safe for displaced residents to return to their homes.

An official with fire and emergency services says crews are still fighting the blaze which is burning about four kilometres away from Wabush.

Four waterbombers were in the air Sunday morning to battle the flames.

Fire-fighters benefited from a smattering of rain in the area Saturday night which helped ensure the blaze didn’t grow significantly.

The fire, which has consumed about 60 square kilometres since last Sunday, has also prompted the closure of the Trans-Labrador Highway.