Some wildfire evacuation orders lifted in Labrador, state of emergency remains

A Newfoundland flag flies in Rocky Harbour, N.L., on Sept. 4, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

ST. JOHN’S -- Officials have lifted some wildfire evacuation orders in western Labrador, though a state of emergency remains in the region’s biggest town.

The Town of Labrador City said Thursday afternoon that people could return home near two park areas and a golf course, but they had to be ready to leave again on short notice if fire conditions worsened. An evacuation order remained in place for the Walsh River cabin area.

“We understand the concern, uncertainty, and frustration this situation has caused,” town officials said in a Facebook post. “Please be assured that crews and resources remain in place, and every effort continues to be made to protect people, property, and critical infrastructure in the affected areas.”

The town remained in a state of emergency.

As of Thursday, there were three wildfires burning near Labrador City, a mining town near the Quebec boundary home to about 7,450 people. The largest, called the Walsh River fire on the province’s online wildfire dashboard, was about 12 kilometres southwest of the town, and it encompassed an area of nearly seven square kilometres.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands said earlier Thursday that more ground crews had been sent to help water bombers and helicopters tackle the fires in the area.

Environment Canada called for rain and possible thunderstorms in Labrador City Thursday, followed by rain on Friday. The province has banned all fires in Labrador, including sky lanterns and fireworks, until at least July 13.

In Newfoundland, the City of St. John’s postponed and then cancelled its Canada Day fireworks because of a high risk of fire.

As of Thursday evening, the fire dashboard showed 28 active wildfires in the province, all but two of which were burning in Labrador.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 2, 2026.

Sarah Smellie, The Canadian Press