The GNWT’s Environment and Climate Change division is reporting that there are now at least two active fires in the Territory, the first for the 2024 fire season.
Both fires are located near Fort Smith, along Slave River. One fire is right beside Salt River, and the other is directly north, on the other side of the Slave River.
The nearest community, Fort Smith, is currently listed at “High” on the Fire Danger Forecast. Under this rating, residents are advised to not have any personal fires unless absolutely necessary, and to keep them as small as possible. If anyone plans on using fire for cooking, it should be kept in a contained environment, such as a stove or barbecue. Fire restrictions may be set in place in the coming days.
While the ECC Active Fire Map only shows two active fires, the Wildfire Update page on the GNWT website is currently reporting four.
UPDATE: NWT Fire has shared on their Facebook page that these two fires are “overwinter fires” that managed to survive from last year. They report that these fires pose no risk to nearby communities or structures, and will be extinguished in short order.
