Wildfire Update – July 9, 2026 (5:40 p.m.)
Following today’s lifting of the Evacuation Order for the Walsh River Cabin Area, Forestry and emergency response partners continued suppression efforts on wildfire activity elsewhere in the region.
Forestry advised that suppression efforts on the Quebec border fire continued throughout the day, including aerial suppression operations. Forestry reports that today’s efforts were successful in slowing fire growth and maintaining the fire well outside current alert thresholds for Labrador West.
Forestry officials remain encouraged by the weather forecast for tomorrow, which is expected to bring cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and conditions more favourable to suppression efforts.
Today’s most significant milestone remains the lifting of the Evacuation Order for the Walsh River Cabin Area and the classification of the Walsh River fire as Being Held. The Walsh River Cabin Area, along with Duley Lake, Throne Lake, and the Tamarack Golf Course Road Area, remain under Evacuation Alert.
Smoke Conditions
Residents may continue to experience periods of smoke in Labrador West as a result of wildfire activity elsewhere in the region, including fires in Quebec.
Forestry advised that smoke from the Quebec border fire contributed to the smoky conditions experienced in Labrador West overnight and into the morning.
Smoke conditions can change quickly depending on fire activity and weather patterns. Residents who are sensitive to smoke, including seniors, young children, and those with respiratory conditions, should consider limiting outdoor activity when smoke levels are elevated. N95 masks are available for anyone who needs them and can be picked up at the Labrador City Fire Hall.
The Town continues to monitor information provided by Forestry and provincial partners regarding air quality and wildfire activity.
The Town’s Emergency Operations Centre remains active and continues to work closely with Forestry, Provincial Emergency Operations Centre officials, emergency responders, and regional partners.
At this time, residents are encouraged to continue monitoring official communication channels and remain prepared while Evacuation Alert areas remain in effect.
Unless conditions change, the next update will be provided following tomorrow morning’s Forestry briefing.