The Tulip Lake wildfire near the border of Alta. grew overnight due to windy conditions. Protective Services said the fire does not currently pose a threat to the nearby town of Fort Smith, but a general preparedness reminder remains in place.
Officials caution that a fire weather warning remains in place for much of the N.W.T. region.
No new wildfires have been reported in the territories, and Fire crews have successfully extinguished a wildfire in the North Slave region.
Fire bans for Hay River, Fort Smith, Métis Cabins and Campground at Thebacha, along with bans across numerous parks in the territories, remain in place. Hot, dry conditions with gusty winds are creating conditions that contribute to the risk of wildfire start and spread.
NWT Fire issued an update today about the Tulip Lake wildfire, which is about 13,183 hectares in size, located about 15 km northeast of Fort Fitzgerald and about 28 km east of Fort Smith.
Fire officials said that the fire’s spread does not pose any immediate danger.
With southerly winds gusting up to about 23 km per hour, crews said that the fire’s activity picked up overnight due to shifting winds.
In response, firefighters continued suppressing the west side of the fire, reinforced by airtankers dropping retardant and helicopters bucketing water, to stop the spread of the wildfire.
“Crews have also been creating landing pads for helicopters to improve access on the western side of the fire,” said NWT Fire.
Sprinkler systems have been positioned on all known buildings east of the Slave River on the Alberta side. NWT has completed structure protection on the other side of the border, said officials.
“Crews, with the assistance of Fort Smith Protective Services, continue to deploy high volume sprinkler systems in Fort Fitzgerald, Halfway, Border Town, and Fort Smith as a precautionary measure,” said Fire officials.
A collaborative team, made up of Alta., NWT and the Tthebatthı Dënesųłiné First Nation are working together to respond to the wildfire.
Anyone who would like more information about the Tulip Lake wildfire can head to the territorial government’s wildfire update site.
In an update issued today, Fort Smith Protective Services assured residents that currently there is no threat to the town of Fort Smith.
Fort Smith Protective Services reminded residents that a General Preparedness Reminder remains in place.
“While there is no immediate risk, we encourage all residents to review their evacuation plans as a precaution. Know your exits, keep essential documents and supplies accessible, and stay informed through official Town and government updates,” said officials.
Fort Smith Fire Protective Services encourages anyone who would like more information to head to the town’s emergency plan site.
Fort Smith Protective Services and the Town of Fort Smith said updates can be found on a variety of platforms, including Facebook, the Fort Smith website and Alertable.
NWT Fire cautioned drivers travelling along Highway 1 of smoke present along the route from wildfire. Officials urged travellers to check highway conditions here before heading out by visiting the Drive NWT website https://drivenwt.ca.
Fire officials notified residents that pumps are being set up at the boat launch, Border Town, Halfway and Fort Fitzgerald as a precautionary measure in the event the fire moves closer. They ask that residents avoid those areas to allow crews to work.
