Josh Bingle/Reuters
Evacuation orders were issued in Labrador City, in eastern Newfoundland, Canada, on Friday, as smoke from a looming wildfire could be seen rising into the air above homes.
CNN
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Wildfires burning in eastern Canada have burned more than 24,000 acres, forced thousands to evacuate Labrador City and closed at least one hospital, officials said Saturday.
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey said the “extremely intense fires” were deemed fully under control earlier this week, but weather conditions changed on Friday, setting the stage for rapid fire growth. Facebook Will update on Saturday.
The wildfire exploded across 22,000 acres and traveled about 13 miles in just four hours, Furey said.
Jeremy Reynolds, a spokesman for the government of Newfoundland and Labrador, told CNN on Saturday that about 9,500 people had been evacuated from Labrador City. “Essential personnel remain to oversee the emergency response,” he added.
The town of Labrador City is located in the northwestern part of the province, approximately 900 miles north of Canada’s capital, Ottawa.
The fire is just three miles northwest of Labrador City, and residents are being told to evacuate to the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, a six-hour drive away, Furey said.
Ann Evacuation Order A news release posted Friday evening said the fire “may move very close to Labrador West over the next 24 to 48 hours.” Meanwhile, evacuation warnings have been issued for the nearby community of Wabush, and residents should be prepared to evacuate at any time, Furey said.
The wildfires also forced the temporary closure of the Labrador West Health Centre, Furey said. Everyone there was safely evacuated, including 45 patients being treated for serious conditions. Those patients were transferred to facilities around the province, Furey added.
The hospital announced it would remain closed until it is deemed safe to fully reopen.
“Ambulances are stationed in the area to respond to emergency calls as emergency services are not available,” the hospital said in a statement. news release Saturday.
