Wabush residents get tap water back

Additional water bombers deployed to Gull Island forest fire

There was some good news for residents of Wabush in western Labrador Friday as a non-consumption order was lifted, allowing people in the community to once again drink their tap water.

The non-consumption order had been in effect for more than two weeks after water bombers attempting to suppress a large forest fire in western Labrador had to use the town’s water supply to help put a damper on the blaze.

According to a news release issued by the town, no hydrocarbons were detected in the water supply, with data looking “very typical for the town of Wabush.”

Reduction of hot spots

As for the forest fire that has burned 27,000 hectares in Labrador and eastern Quebec, the Department of Natural Resources reported Friday hot spots around the perimeter have been further reduced. Ground crews were still working to eliminate hot spots with assistance from two helicopters, with one water bomber on standby to handle any flare-ups.

Environment Canada also reported a possibility of thundershowers in the area as of late Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the government deployed three water bombers to the Gull Island area in Labrador to help combat a forest fire that has expanded to approximately 1,800 hectares as of Friday afternoon.

The water bombers were focusing on the eastern portion of the fire, while two helicopters were responding to its western perimeter.

Traffic in that area was restricted along the Trans-Labrador Highway to escorted traffic only. Natural Resources advised the situation could change, depending on fire activity.

The department classified both forest fires as out of control.