Yellowknife, NWT – The G.N.W.T’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources is advising northerners to take care when using fire in forested areas.
E.N.R officials say investigations into the cause of 12 reported wildfires in the territory this season are underway.
Manager of Fire Operations Richard Olsen with the department says most of those fires were caused by people.
“At this point in time with the 12 reported fires, nine have been suspected person-caused which is a very high number considering our average. People should remember that although you’re allowed to light fires to cook or keep warm, care should always be taken in considering if you need a fire at all and also in your choice of location.”
Olsen says five of the reported wildfires were in the Yellowknife area.
He says people should only put pure wood on fires and avoid putting items like plastic or oil based materials on them.
Olsen says the department has a system in place for wildfires, but those caused by people put added stress on their resources.
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