Crews monitoring wildfire near Churchill Falls as fire bans continue across parts of N.L.

Fire crews in Labrador are monitoring a wildfire near Churchill Falls Monday evening as multiple fire bans continue across the province.

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture advised of the fire just before 5:30 p.m. It did not give any details as to the size of the fire, but said it started near the ski hill area of the community and there is no immediate health or safety risk.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro are fighting the fire from the air with helicopters, said the statement, while another helicopter, water bomber and three firefighters have been dispatched from Happy-Valley Goose Bay to assist.

The area is under a very high risk of wildfire according to the department's hazard map, along with other parts of Labrador.

Last month, emergency crews responded to an out of control wildfire near Churchill Falls, which burned an estimated 170 hectares.

Elsewhere, there are now multiple fire bans in place across Newfoundland and Labrador.

On the Avalon Peninsula, the St. John's Regional Fire Department announced a ban covering St. John's, Mount Pearl and Paradise.

They also want to remind the public to not throw lit cigarettes on the ground or out of a car window. 

The Portugal Cove-St Phillip's Volunteer Fire Department and Conception Bay South Fire Department also have bans in those regions.

These bans includes outdoor wood-burning appliances, charcoal barbecues and open fires.

In all of these regions, propane fire pits and barbecues are permitted, but the fire departments are asking residents to be "fire safe" when using propane fire pits and barbecues by keeping a hose or fire extinguisher nearby. 

The province's fire hazard rating map, which was last updated on Sunday, indicates the Avalon Peninsula has a high fire hazard rating.

All three of these regions say their bans will be re-evaluated on Thursday.

Last week those three communities lifted fire bans.

In central Newfoundland, Gander Fire Rescue say its fire ban is still in effect and the monitor the fire index will be monitored.

"The fire risk is serious. Forest vegetation is very dry and fires will start easily, burn vigorously, and challenge fire suppression efforts," it said in a post on social media.

"Burning permits are suspended, open fires including campfires are prohibited and industrial activities may be restricted. Exercise extreme caution when conducting activities on forested land."

Some areas of Labrador also have high fire hazard ratings and the town of Labrador City and Wabush have issued fire bans due to concerns over high winds.

"While this ban is active, open burning, fireworks, backyard fire pits, wood/coal burning BBQ's, cooking stoves and backyard smokers that use fuels such as wood and briquettes are strictly prohibited," wrote Labrador City in a release.

Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page.