The wildfire in Sambaa K’e continued to grow over the weekend, now estimated at 202,920 Hectares burned within the NWT and just 15km away from Sambaa K’e.
According to NWT Fire, the flames cover nearly 100km and are burning with severe intensity. The blaze is expected to continue to grow over the coming days.
Thick smoke and wind gusts due to thunderstorms in the area led to extreme fire behaviour, burning through treetops and growing towards the northwest in the afternoon.
“There is no relief in sight,” NWT Fire shared on social media.
NWT Fire says they are not expecting any meaningful rain in the next three days so structure protection through sprinklers and back burning continues to be a priority for crews.
Critical infrastructure and all buildings near Sambaa K’e have been protected and more than 5km of fuel break work has been completed and will continue.
Crews managed the test burn that began on Thursday and flared up on the outskirts of the community, eventually crossing the airstrip.
According to Mike Westwick and CBC News, one home was lost due to the intentional burn.
