Town of Wabush
Media Advisory #22
Wabush, NL, July 1st, 2013, 3:25 p.m.
Mayor Barron opened the Emergency Management Team Meeting at 1:15 p.m.
Andrew Lefresne, NL Fire & Emergency Services, requested a moment’s silence in memory of the 19
US firefighters who lost their lives in an Arizona wildfire yesterday.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provided an update on the Labrador West fire.
Essentially its status has not changed; the presence of rain showers has helped. All ground crews are
deployed to the cabin areas at Blueberry Hill and Cowboy Creek and the railway. Two DNR water
bombers and four helicopters are in the air.
IOC deployed two helicopters to help suppress the fire around Mile 32. Active flame was spotted and
their fire brigade, made up of an NFPA trained fire team with an eight-unit train convoy, with hoses,
foam and water tankers are on the ground to eliminate the hot spots.
Unauthorized flights are creating a safety issue by penetrating the airspace allocated to the fire.
Offending pilots will be identified and reported to NavCan.
Chief Canning and Chief Power will not deploy local volunteer fire fighters to the wildfire fire line.
They will be kept for duties in the two communities.
Mayor Barron noted that the Town of Wabush realized that local residents were potentially placing
themselves and first responders in danger by staying in their homes. Evacuation should be
mandatory, not voluntary.
This needs to be addressed by the provincial and federal representatives. MHA McGrath and MP
Jones said they would take up this cause.
He commended Jim Stanton for his work in crafting and communicating the community messages.
Mayor Barron expressed gratitude to IOC, Cliffs Natural Resources, HJ O’Connell and Allard’s for their
equipment and support in creating the firebreak.
Town of Labrador City Mayor Oldford noted outside personnel are volunteering to assist and provide
relief assistance. This will be pursued.
The water station has been used and continues to be operational at the Labrador City Arena.
The Reception Centre will be closing today. Inquiries can be made at Labrador City Town Hall. Details
to follow. The Lodge will be vacated today.
Red Cross confirmed 1733 people – 983 families were registered. Red Cross wants to express
appreciation to IOC and the Town of Labrador City for their assistance. Red Cross now has 41 local
volunteers trained for future endeavors.
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Salvation Army opened its doors to feed local citizens and can provide clothing as needed.
Eleven dogs and six cats and 37 sled dogs were provided shelter at the town depot.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary reported the re-entry into the Town of Wabush went
smoothly. The work of the Ham radio operators (HOWL) was critical to the success of re-entry.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary will be continuing escorts along the Trans Labrador Highway
when it is deemed safe to do so. Ground Search & Rescue has made an enormous contribution to the
smooth operation of this program.
MHA Nick McGrath commended the people of Labrador West for the work done in managing the fire
and its ramifications.
MP Yvonne Jones stated she was “truly impressed” by the manner in which the two towns and the
resource companies cooperated to affect the safe evacuation and return of the residents. She
recognized Andrew Lefresne for his leadership and guidance. She would like to get an update from
Aliant on the status of the fiber optic system.
The Alert condition remains in effect for the Town of Wabush. The Town’s EOC will move to a
reduced once-a-day meeting status after today. DNR will provide an update this evening; Chief
Canning will confirm the timing.
An operational debrief with the Emergency Management Team will take place at 4:00 p.m. on July 2nd
at the Wabush EOC.
All Wabush Media Advisories are available at www.labradorwest.com then go to “What’s New” at the
top left of the page on the green banner.
Happy Canada Day!
Ron Barron
Mayor
Town of Wabush
Cell: 944-4945
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