State of Emergency Declared in Happy Valley-Goose Bay Due to Uncontrolled Fire at Air Force Base

A state of emergency has been declared in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Canada, due to an uncontrolled fire at the Five Wing Goose Bay air force base. The fire has spread to an area containing explosive material, and an explosion is anticipated. Residents in the affected area have been evacuated, and they are being asked to stay at least 1 km away from the area. Efforts are underway to extinguish the blaze, but the situation remains dangerous. The RCMP and local authorities are providing updates and coordinating the emergency response.

The fire broke out on Friday evening and has impacted several buildings on the north side of the town. The RCMP has identified five specific streets that are directly affected: Hamilton River Road, Saunders Street, Loring Drive, Juniper Street, and Roberts Avenue. The town is asking all residents in the 'Canadian side' area to evacuate immediately, and officials are encouraging people to stay away from the area as efforts to extinguish the fire continue.

Why this matters: The uncontrolled fire at the air force base poses a significant threat to public safety due to the presence of explosive materials. The declaration of a state of emergency emphasizes the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action to protect the residents of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Mayor George Andrews has been actively involved in the response to the situation, working closely with the RCMP and other emergency services. Premier Andrew Furey of Newfoundland and Labrador has also offered his full support to the town during this crisis. The town has expressed concern for the safety of animals, as the local SPCA is located in the affected area.

As of now, there have been no reports of injuries. Emergency services are working tirelessly to extinguish the blaze and prevent further damage. The RCMP and local authorities continue to provide updates on the situation and coordinate the emergency response. Residents are urged to follow evacuation orders and stay away from the affected area until it is deemed safe to return.

Key Takeaways

• State of emergency declared in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Canada due to uncontrolled fire
• Fire has spread to area with explosives, explosion anticipated; residents evacuated
• Fire impacts 5 specific streets, residents in 'Canadian side' asked to evacuate
• Mayor, Premier involved in response; no injuries reported, efforts to extinguish fire
• Residents urged to follow evacuation orders and stay away from affected area