Evacuee returns to 'eerie' Churchill Falls as an essential worker keeping town running

After being evacuated from her hometown last week, one resident has returned to Churchill Falls to help keep the town running as an essential worker.

Susan Chislett, who was evacuated with her family, has gone back to Churchill Falls to work at the staff house that provides meals and accommodations to people still in town.

Chislett said being in the town again feels "pretty eerie."

"There's a few people floating around, but it's all mainly just security-based type things going on here," she told CBC News.

The community — which usually has a population of more than 700 — is quieter than normal, with few vehicles and no children playing, she said.

"It's just basically dead air and the only place that you will hear any kind of a conversation or noise as such from people going and coming — the hustle and bustle — is where I work," said Chislett.

Meanwhile, it still looks like a normal day with blue skies, though she said she can sometimes smell a hint of burning wood.

"I think that's the hardest part for us. Anybody who's here, you go outside, and it looks OK."

Fires continue burning

According to the province's online fire dashboard, there are nine fires in Labrador.

Provincial forest fire duty officer Mark Lawlor said the nearest fire to Churchill Falls is still being fought with water bombers and helicopters.

"The fire is still out of control. There was a lot of smoke. Lot of smouldering ground fires still," he told CBC News.

On Tuesday there were trees burning as the day went on and the temperature rose, he said.

"Our staff felt fairly comfortable when they left yesterday evening that we had a very good job done on that fire," said Lawlor.

He said the fire 17 kilometres from town is being held by crews and is being watched closely.

With the temperature forecast to reach a high of 27 C on Tuesday, he is also paying attention to the weather, as it could complicate efforts to combat the fire.

"The winds are going to be elevated today as well. Our prediction is that we possibly could see increased fire behaviour today if that forecast holds true."

According to Environment Canada, five to 10 millimetres of rainfall is expected over Churchill Falls on Wednesday.

Labrador's seven other fires in Labrador are not threatening human life, he said.

Work carries on

Chislett said people in town are from a number of companies — including N.L. Hydro, as well as pilots, firefighters and security — and are staying calm in the situation.

"We're working all different kinds of hours, early shifts, late shifts and trying to man everything to make sure that these people have everything they need," said Chislett, who was born and raised in Churchill Falls.

Chislett added N.L. Hydro chartered a plane to bring people to Newfoundland and her husband and daughter were able to board Monday's flight so they could be with his family.

She said knowing her family is safe elsewhere makes being back in Churchill Falls easier because she doesn't need to be worried about them.

"When it's time to come back, well, then we can get them to come back."

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