Fire bans for Hay River, Fort Smith, Métis Cabins and Campground at Thebacha remain in place.
In Fort Smith, Protective Services reported that two new wildfires are burning near the town. Fire crews are using airtankers to prevent the spread of the wildfire, which currently does not pose a threat to the town, they said.
Hay River officials have warned of very dry conditions and strong winds forecasted to continue into Friday. First responders advised being cautious of trees blowing down in the area due to high winds.
An extreme fire weather warning issued earlier this week remains in place for much of N.W.T., cautioning folks in the territories of “very dangerous fire weather” including extreme wind, heat, and lightning with South Slave along with the North Slave regions and the Dehcho, “facing the highest danger.”
Fort Smith officials reported today that two new wildfires are burning near the town, but pose no threat to the community at this time. Protective services advise residents to review their evacuation plans as a precaution
Fort Smith Protective Services said one of the wildfires was caused by lightning and was spotted this afternoon, about 20 km from Fort Smith on the north side of the Slave River.
“It is currently estimated at 7 hectares in size and is out of control. Airtankers are currently making drops to slow the fire’s growth. Two crews and a helicopter will also work to limit the fire’s growth and prevent potential future threats to cabins. Smoke may be visible from Fort Smith,” said first responders in a social media post this afternoon.
Officials said the fires pose “no immediate threats” to communities, cabins, or infrastructure.
NWT Fire cautioned that “extreme fire conditions” continue across the South Slave, North Slave and Dehcho regions.
“The air is very dry, and temperatures have risen since yesterday. Strong, gusty winds in the South Slave, Dehcho, and North Slave regions,” crews reported.
NWT Fire said “ a very warm night is expected” with some areas remaining at the 18 to 20 degrees Celsius temperature.
Officials warned that there is a risk of lightning outbreaks in the South Slave, North Slave and Dehcho regions over the coming days that could lead to new wildfires.
“These are the kinds of conditions where wildfires can start easily and spread quickly,” warned responders.
NWT Fire and Protective Services are urging the public to know the fire rules in their area and follow them to help keep communities safe.
“If fire danger is high or extreme, avoid any unnecessary fires—even if there are no restrictions,” warned officials who also advised the public to check road conditions before travelling.
Yesterday, Fort Smith Protective Services also advised of localized smoke on Hwy 5. The Wood Buffalo wildfire response made significant progress in reducing the burning and smoke in the area.
As of Wednesday evening, the transportation authority website still warned of”poor visibility due to wildfire in the area” since 5:44 p.m. May 27.
Officials advised area residents and anyone travelling in the area to monitor smoke information and forecasts on GNWT’s fire smoke pages
