NWT Fire reported that fire crews successfully extinguished the wildfire near Blatchford Lake Lodge and are seeing favourable conditions as they respond to the Tulip Lake wildfire.
In the south Slave region, the Tulip Lake wildfire now covers an area of about 14,167 hectares at last estimate, said Fire crews.
“Both Alberta and NWT fire crews are working under a unified command and are deploying crews and resources to limit the fire’s growth. Crews have been monitoring on both sides of the border and are putting up protections around nearby structures,” said officials.
NWT Fire assured that this is a proactive, precautionary measure and that there is no risk to the community at this time.
A unified command team collaboration with Alta. Wildfire and includes representation from the Tthebatthı Dënesųłiné First Nation is responding to the wildfire.
NWT Fire reported that a US Incident Management Team, provided through the Northwest Compact agreement, is assisting with operations.
“There has been minimal fire growth, and the fire is now 36 per cent contained,” said officials
Fire crews are working to extend and secure containment lines on the northwest, west, and southwest sides of the fire. Officials said that conditions are working in their favour.
Suppression operations include the use of airtankers, helicopters conducting water drops, ignition operations, and ground crews to prevent the growth of the fire towards the communities.
“Structure protection teams have placed sprinkler systems on all known buildings east of the Slave River on the Alberta side. Northwest Territories has completed structure protection on our side as well,” said officials.
NWT Fire reported that the testing of the high-volume sprinkler system was successful and over 10 km of sprinkler systems were installed.
These were installed as a precaution to protect Fort Fitzgerald, Border Town, Halfway, and Fort Smith.
