Canada northeastern authorities announce forest fire under control, evacuation order lifted
Date
7/21/2024 9:58:41 AM
(MENAFN) Authorities in northeastern Canada announced on Saturday that the forest fire, which had necessitated the evacuation of over 9,000 residents a week ago, is now under control. This development has paved the way for displaced individuals to begin returning to their homes. Premier Andrew Furey of Newfoundland and Labrador province reported that the fire threat to the towns of Labrador City and Wabush is now considered "very low." He expressed relief at the progress and confirmed that the evacuation order is being partially lifted.
Currently, the return is restricted to essential workers—such as hospital employees, supermarket staff, and government personnel—who will be instrumental in preparing for the full return of evacuees starting Monday. The evacuation had posed significant challenges, as residents from this remote area had to travel 300 miles (500 kilometers) to safety along the only available road.
While conditions in eastern Canada are improving, the western part of the country is experiencing an uptick in forest fires. British Columbia, on the Pacific coast, is grappling with over 320 active fires, including three major blazes. Thousands of residents are on standby, ready to evacuate if necessary.
In Alberta, more than 5,000 individuals from isolated Indigenous communities are under evacuation orders due to uncontrolled fires threatening the sole road access to these areas. Additionally, the federal Environment Ministry has issued multiple smoke-related air pollution advisories, with Edmonton, Alberta's second-largest city, notably affected by the smoke.
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