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Helicopter helps battle Labrador forest fires

Firefighters are concerned about flames spreading at the southeast
end of the 30 kilometre fire, north of North West River and Sheshatshiu.

Heavy smoke kept firefighters and aircraft out of the area Thursday.

Weather forecasters are calling for a sunny, warm day in the area
Friday — something authorities fear will create dry conditions that
might help the fire spread.

More firefighters were expected to arrive in the area Friday.

Municipal officials in the area were calling on the province to send more resources.

Thursday, officials considered moving older and ailing residents out
of the Innu community of Sheshatshiu as smoke from a nearby fire made it
hard for some to breathe, but the plan was later cancelled as
conditions improved.

A band councillor said the plan had been cancelled because of rain
and because a local co-ordinator said the smell of smoke had diminished.

On Thursday, the Newfoundland and Labrador government warned
residents of Sheshatshiu as well as nearby North West River to prepare
for a possible evacuation.

Firefighters worked hard tackling a blaze late into Wednesday night in the Robert's Road area of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

A separate fire, closer to the Trans-Labrador Highway, has also demanded attention from fire crews.