NWT Fire reported “extreme wildfire weather conditions” today with new wildfires burning in the Dehcho and South Slave regions. Fire bans for Hay River, Fort Smith, Métis Cabins and Campground at Thebacha remain in place.
“The Dehcho, North and South Slave regions are experiencing extreme wildfire weather,” officials cautioned.
Hot, dry conditions with gusty winds are creating a “hazardous fire environment” that contributes substantially to the risk of wildfire start and spread.
The weather is expected to continue into the weekend, said officials who are asking the public to exercise caution.
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.
Officials also warned that winds from the south are carrying smoke from B.C., Alta. and Sask. into the territories.
A naturally caused fire in the Dehcho region, located about 74 km east of Fort Liard, is currently out-of-control and is approximately 80 hectares in size, said N.W.T. Fire.
“The fire Crews and helicopters began their initial attack today to contain the fire’s growth,” said NWT Fire.
Officials said there are “no immediate threats” to communities, cabins, or infrastructure.
In the South Slave region, a lightning-caused fire has stretched about 20 km from Fort Smith on the north side of the Slave River.
“The fire has increased from 7 hectares to 58 hectares in size and is out of control. Due to strong winds, airtankers could not fly today, but multiple ground crews and helicopters are working to limit the fire’s growth and prevent potential future threats to values in the area,” said N.W.T. Fire.
Fire crew reported that smoke may be visible from Fort Smith, but said that there are no immediate threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure.
Southwest of Sambaa k’e, fire crews reported that another naturally caused wildfire is out-of-control. The fire is estimated to be 300 hectares in size.
“Crews are responding by setting up sprinkler systems on cabins and other values which may be threatened. Smoke may be visible from the community,” said NWT Fire.
Another naturally caused wildfire located about 14 km north of the B.C. border is out of control, said fire crew. The fire is estimated to be 15 hectares in size.
“Crews have begun their initial attack, equipped with structure protection equipment for the values in the area if needed,” fire crews reported
N.W.T. Fire reported that another out-of-control wildfire is located about 13 km north of the B.C. border. The wildfire is a naturally occurring fire of 1 hectare in size, and crews are responding to prevent its spread.
“Crews will deploy structural protection equipment if the fire poses a potential threat to values in the area,” said officials.
N.W.T. Fire issued a reminder to check community websites for information on fire bans. They ask anyone who sees a wildfire to call: 1-877-698-3473 (877-NWTFIRE).
Officials advised area residents and anyone travelling in the area to monitor smoke information and forecasts on GNWT’s fire smoke pages
