While the wildfire northwest of Yellowknife isn’t expected to reach the municipal boundary this weekend, NWT fire crews say the winds could help push the blaze closer. Still being held at approximately 15 kilometres from the nearest point of the boundary, officials say it’s possible it moves up to 4-5 km Sunday, but add that movement can be influenced by continued heavy air tanker use.
NWT Fire says they are planning to do some infrared scanning of the wildfire today, to get us a better understanding of the condition of the fires, and help determine whether or not a direct attack of the fire can be safe and successful.
NWT Fire also says Behchoko is not currently under threat, with a significant amount of already burned area around the community and a completed fire perimeter putting the community threat risk at very low. Fire crews will be keeping an eye on any potential flare-ups or hot spots, and will remain active in the area to ensure any troubling ones are taken care of quickly.
It’s believed helicopters and air tankers will continue to target hot spots and fire perimeters today, to help slow the growth of this fire as visibility allows.
