Wildfire in Labrador jumps Churchill River, generating station being evacuated

CHURCHILL FALLS, N.L. — The wildfire in Labrador threatening the evacuated town of Churchill Falls has jumped the Churchill River, prompting the evacuation of the nearby hydroelectric generating station.

The river has acted as a natural fire break ever since the wildfire broke out on June 13 and then rapidly grew on June 19, prompting the evacuation of the town, home to 750 residents.

But a skeleton crew was kept on at the station, which supplies electricity to Labrador and Quebec.

A Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro spokeswoman confirmed that everyone at the plant— estimated at 100 employees, contractors and fire officials — have been ordered to leave.