In the wake of the Hay River evacuation, Environment and Climate Change NWT has issued an update regarding all of the fires currently in the North.
As expected, the only fires across the Territories are currently in the South Slave region. Two of those fires have started within the 24 hours before the update. All fires are currently receiving direct responses. Fort Providence, Fort Smith, Enterprise, and of course Hay River are all currently listed as “Extreme” under the Fire Danger Forecast.
The group believes that approximately fifteen buildings in the KátÅ‚’odeeche First Nation have been damaged. No damage has yet been reported for Hay River, as their Fire Department has been able to extinguish any spot fires that managed to start.
Environment and Climate Change is currently working on short-term protections, including installing sprinkler kits across the community, and keeping structures safe. Weather forecasts are currently calling for for a few scattered showers and rain over the next 48-hours, though any help the rain may provide will be limited due to the recent dry conditions.
Six fire crews are currently working on keeping the blaze away from Hay River, with another six on the way from other regions. Three helicopters are providing air support with others being prepared, and air tankers will continue to do their jobs.
More updates will be provided once more information becomes available.
