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Evacuation lifted as wildfire moves away from Labrador town

WABUSH, Newfoundland, July 2 (UPI) -- Residents of a small Canadian mining town have been allowed to return home as a wildfire continued to rage in the forests of western Labrador.

While officials lifted the evacuation order for Wabush, residents were warned to be prepared to move out again if the fire changes direction. They were also advised not to drink tap water or to use it for washing babies and small children.

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The evacuation order for Wabush, a town of fewer than 2,000 people, was imposed Friday because of thick smoke and the risk the fire would hit the town and was lifted late Sunday. The fire also closed the Trans-Labrador Highway.

The fire was still not contained Monday. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary was escorting essential traffic on the highway, which connects Wabush and Labrador City near the Quebec border with Goose Bay-Happy Valley.

Mayor Karen Oldfield of neighboring Labrador City said most Wabush residents stayed with friends and relatives, The (St. John's) Telegram reported. About 100 were housed in a shelter.

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