Fire near Churchill Falls crosses river

The situation in Churchill Falls has deteriorated. The fire crossed the river this afternoon.

Premier Furey, Jennifer Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, Jamie Chippett, Deputy Minister of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture, and Blair Adams, Assistant Deputy Minister, Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture provided an update this afternoon.

Weather conditions over the next 24 to 48 are unfavourable due to winds and humidity. Today will be a critical day for suppression efforts.

Water from the spillway was released last night in a controlled manner as a precautionary measure. Water management is an important consideration in maintaining production and protecting the plant assets.

At the time of this update, the plant continues to operate at approximately one-third of capacity, with continued supply to Quebec and Labrador West customers.