Comments | North West River and Sheshatshiu NL, June 23-25, 2012. On June 23, the Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division recommended a mandatory evacuation of the communities of North West River and Sheshatshiu First Nation, located approximately 20 kilometers north of Goose Bay, due to smoke and the threat from wildfires. On June 24, both communities declared local states of emergency with residents being placed under immediate evacuation order. Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) coordinated the Provincial Government response activities in Labrador and a Provision of Service agreement with the Department of National Defence (DND) was activated. Approximately 800 people were housed at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Goose Bay and another approximate 300 people were also accommodated in emergency housing in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Many individuals also stayed with family, friends or in private accommodations in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area. The evacuation order was lifted on June 25 and the evacuees returned home. |