NWT Fire announced that two wildfires in the North Slave region, east of Watta Lake may pose a threat to cabins and other structures.
Firefighters were forced to back up from a direct activated response to the fires (TZF024 and ZF011).
“Crews had to be pulled back from direct attack on these fires because fire intensity reached a point where it was unsafe under these intense winds. They have not been pulled back from response and our objective – which is to protect the values which could be at threat over the coming days,” said NWT Fire.
Fire officials said that they had explored all the available options and had to take precautions to protect crews and inform property owners.
“All possibilities were looked at for the coming days and the decision was made to inform lodge owners in the areas of Watta, Campbell, and Hearne Lakes of the recommendation to look at leaving shortly due to potential fire impacts,” said NWT Fire.
Firefighters are continuing to mobilize a targeted response to protect structures that may be at risk.
“Our crews are out there working to protect structures which could be at threat in the coming days in priority order – based on those most likely to be impacted first. Over recent days, we have sent staff out to assess some of these properties to prepare for this potential and to communicate with owners,” said Fire crews.
Crews plan to use sprinklers to help alleviate the chance of losses under the challenging circumstances
“(U)nder the fire behaviour we’ve seen today, airtankers have been ineffective – again, why we needed to pull back and reassess our strategy,” said officials
NWT Fire acknowledge that the circumstances are a stressful time for anyone who may own cabins or other structures in the area at risk. Officials assured that they are continuing to activate a strong response.
“We are using the tools in our arsenal to protect what matters to them.”
