Hydro plant workers in Newfoundland evacuated as wildfire rages

Workers at a huge power plant in Newfoundland and Labrador have evacuated as a wildfire continues to rage within the province. 

This comes as the fire moves closer to the Churchill Falls hydroelectric plant, the second largest underground facility in North America, on Tuesday, according to a Reuters report.

"So (this is) very concerning," Newfoundland and Labrador premier Andrew Furey told reporters, citing "an incredible amount of fuel" in front of the fire that could spread rapidly, according to the report.

Between 80 and 100 people had been operating the plant. They were handling operations and site services, fire services and clearing work for a fire break that has been under construction, according to a CBC report.

If need be the plant can be operated remotely, said Jennifer Williams, head of the plant operator, according to Reuters.

Alberta is “disastrously unprepared” for wildfire season this year, according to the Alberta Union of Public Employees (AUPE).

Province needs help from other provinces

The out-of-control fire jumped the nearby Churchill River and kept moving, approaching Churchill Falls, said Durey, according to CBC.

"The fire subsequently jumped Hyde Lake even and then went towards the airport, jumped the airport even, and then went straight into the reservoir," he said.

Water bombers stopped having an effect and pilots were pulled out on Tuesday as the fire was so powerful, provincial forest fire duty officer Mark Lawlor, according to CBC.

"There was no suppression efforts we could have put in yesterday to stop it," Lawlor told CBC News.

Furey is confident the province is well equipped to battle the fires with help from Ontario and Quebec water bombers.

Four out of five of Newfoundland and Labrador's water bombers are active., and the province is committed to fixing the fifth. However, the extra aircraft wouldn't have mattered on Tuesday, he said.

"We would still be calling on help from across the country as provinces have called on us when their resources are stretched as well," he said.

Meanwhile, officials are hoping things could turn for the better today, as a slight rainfall – up to 15 millimeters – is in the forecast, according to the CBC report.

Firefighters dealing with wildfires in B.C. are facing the challenge of longer, harsher fire seasons – and that means many seasoned workers are burnt out, while newer ones take their place, increasing the safety risk to everyone, according to a previous report.