Fort Smith Protective Services announced that the wildfire is “under control” and lifted an Evacuation Notice that was in place since yesterday. Officials have declared that they suspect the wildfire was “human-caused” due to a campfire.
“This wildfire has been called Under Control. This means this fire is not expected to grow beyond its current boundaries,” said Mike Westwick, a wildfire information officer with GNWT.
Westwick said it was thanks to the coordinated effort by the Town of Fort Smith and wildfire personnel that the fire is under control.
“Some mop-up work is still required, so please remain cautious and allow emergency services workers to safely get the job done,” Westwick warned.
Yesterday evening, an Evacuation Notice was declared after officials reported that the wildfire situation remained “stable.” Westwick, told True North FM this morning that the wildfire was “being held.”
“The town of Fort Smith ECC are working together to just check up on some remaining hot spots today and kind of clean up,” Westwick said.
No injuries were reported and there was “no immediate” threat to residents, said Westwick.
“Things are in good shape. The situation is stable, there were no homes lost and no immediate threat right now, we’ve just got to do some work to make sure that today’s wrapped up,” added Westwick.
Because no lightning was present before the wildfire, officials suspected that the fire was “person-caused” said Westwick, and the incident remained under investigation.
Earlier today, Westwick confirmed that an Evacuation Notice remained in place for Fort Smith and said that fire crews would be out today on the ground and air support is on standby.
“We’re kind of at that stage where you’re working with your hands and and pumping hose a lot there.”
“Basically, what they’ll be doing is exposing the hot areas within the soil and soaking them down,” explained Weswick.
By doing that crews are working hard to ensure that any possible spread of fire is “choked off as best as possible,” said Westwick.
Yesterday evening the evacuation status was downgraded to an evacuation notice for Fort Smith residents. The town of Fort Smith reported that crews had made “significant progress.”
“The situation has stabilized, and the risk to structures has been reduced,” said the town in a social media post at about 8: 15 p.m. on Saturday.
“There is no immediate threat, but residents in the area should remain prepared in case conditions change. The ECC will continue to monitor the situation this evening, and crews will return tomorrow to address remaining hot spots. General Preparedness Reminder: Keep your go-bags packed and ready. Ensure vehicles remain fueled. Stay alert for further updates.”
The wildfire is still burning on the east side of town, but is “BEING HELD,” Fort Smith Protective Services also reported in a social media post at 8: 15 pm yesterday.
“There is still a possible risk to the Town so an EVACUATION NOTICE remains in place.”
An evacuation notice is a warning to be prepared, it is meant to give residents time to be ready for a possible evacuation, explained Fort Smith Protective Services in an update posted on social media.
The town reported that the fire is located within town boundaries.
“You are not required to leave at this time but you must be prepared to leave. Failure to do so may result in you or your family not having the supplies you require, such as medications,” said Fort Smith Protective Services.
Fort Smith Protective Services had said that the evacuation notice would remain in effect until further notice and warned that residents may receive limited notice to evacuate “due to changing conditions.”
The town asked residents to be prepared to evacuate.
“General Preparedness Reminder: Have your go-bags packed and ready. Ensure vehicles are fueled and ready to go. Stay alert for further updates,” said town officials.
Fort Smith Protective Services had offered this advice for what residents should do for when an EVACUATION NOTICE is in effect:
Locate your 72-hour kits for you and your family.
Gather essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers, immediate care needs for dependents.
Replenish any items that have expired or need replacement, ensure you and your family members have enough clothing and incidentals for a 72-hour period and have these items readily available for quick departure.
For a complete list of what to include, go to https://bit.ly/alertable-72hr.
Contact family members, advise them of the situation and determine a meeting location outside of the evacuation area where you can safely reconnect should the area be evacuated.
Monitor the town website at fortsmith.ca and the Town Facebook pages for information and watch for further updates.
Listen to local news stations for information and watch for further updates.
Follow the directions of local authorities.
DO NOT call 9-1-1 OR 872-2222 for information or updates.
“The situation has stabilized, and the risk to structures has been reduced thanks to the aggressive effort from crews, heavy equipment, and air support,” said NWT Fire yesterday evening.
The public is being asked to avoid the area and listen to any directions or signage on the ground.
