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HomeMunicipal NewsCity of YellowknifeSix lodges in North Slave at risk and could see evacuation orders

Six lodges in North Slave at risk and could see evacuation orders

Fire crews continue to battle blazes across the territories, including a tough battle in the North Slave region where six area lodges remain at risk and under potential evacuation orders. In other regions of the NWT, the crews are making greater progress in containing fires but warn that draught conditions mean fires can spread quickly. 

NORTH SLAVE REGION 

In the North Slave region, two fires continue to threaten six lodge structures in areas near Campbell Lake and Watta Lake. One new fire was also actioned beginning late yesterday near Tin Can Hill in Yellowknife. 

A wildfire (ZF024) near the south end of Campbell Lake is being aggressively actioned on by Fire crews.

“Air tankers are working on the north end of this fire today. The fire is being reassessed at approximately 500+ hectares,” said officials.

NWT Fire reported that area lodges are at risk and some residents have been notified of a potential evacuation order.

“Three lodges in the area have been alerted that they may be required to evacuate and structure protection has been started. Forecasted Strong winds could continue to challenge suppression efforts through the next several days. ECC is in touch with stakeholders to provide information and updates on the situation,” said officials.

Another wildfire, located about 3 km east of Watta Lake (ZF011 ) continues to be active and visible said Fire crews. This fire is reported to be expanding to the southwest due to northeasterly winds. 

“Three lodges in the area have been alerted that they may be required to evacuate and structure protection has been started. Objectives with this fire are to protect cabins, lodges, and other values in the area using sprinklers or small-scale ignition operations should they become threatened. However, with numerous barriers to fire growth, no values are assessed as at threat in the near future due to this fire. Assessments and consultations with owners in the area took place and plans are in place should this fire become a threat,” said NWT Fire. 

A new fire broke out on Tin Can Hill in Yellowknife yesterday and officials said the fire is believed to have been avoidable. 

“This human-caused fire was quickly actioned by two helicopters and a crew. The quick reporting and strong response to this fire meant that it was not given the chance to spread or affect any values in the area,” said Fire crews. 

Two fires (ZF015 and ZF016) which are located near the highway are being monitored.

“Structure protection has been set up on values in the area. Please check drivenwt.ca to keep updated on road conditions,” said officials. 

Two more fires, (ZF013 and ZF022) can be seen near the Snare Hydro but crews assured these do not pose a threat at this time and are being monitored.

BEAUFORT DELTA REGION

In the Beaufort region, Fire crews continue to activate a focussed response on a number of fires.

About 20 km southwest of Fort McPherson a fire (EV019-25) can clearly be seen from the Dempster Highway.

“It has grown to 112 hectares in size and is challenging efforts due to the terrain,” said officials.

NWT Fire assured that there are no threats to the community of Fort McPherson, highway access, or cabins in the area at this time. 

“Airtankers and two initial attack crews continue working to keep intensity down and contain it,” said officials.

Officials said that anyone who would like more information on this fire can contact the wildfire info line at 867-445-5484.

NWT Fire asks that people refrain from calling their local base, which has been overwhelmed by questions and requests for information connected to this fire.

Another fire, located about 33 km east of Inuvik ( EV016-25), continues. 

“(C)ontaining this fire remains a high priority. Two wildfire crews are making good progress in containing its perimeter despite it challenging established containment lines. Airtankers continue to make drops to cool the perimeter down to assist these efforts,” said officials.

The fire currently does not pose any threats to the community or other values at this time.

About 37 km east of Inuvik, the activity of a wildfire (EV017-25) has decreased over last 24 hours and is now being held, reported NWT Fire.

About 15 km southwest of Fort McPherson, another wildfire (EV021-25 ) is about 32 hectares in size. 

“Wildfire crews continue to work to extinguish hotspots at its perimeter and limit its growth – good progress being made. No threats to the community,” said Fire crews.

DEHCHO REGION

In the Dehcho region, Fire crews continue to make steady progress in containing a number of wildfires while working to protect structures. 

About 18 km northeast of Sambaa K’e, a lightning caused fire (FS018) spotted on July 1 is about 40 hectares in size. 

Fire crews are mobilizing a response to protect area structures. 

“There are cabins in the area crews are working to protect. 802s made drops on Thursday to cool the perimeter and limit growth to the south. There are no threats to the community of Sambaa K’e or infrastructure in the area at this time,” assured Fire officials.

In the Liard Complex a number of fires (FS002, FS006 and FS009) are being “hit hard” with air tankers, said Fire crews.

“(C)rews will continue working to contain the north and west flanks of fire FS009 to prevent growth towards the community of Fort Liard. No immediate threats to communities or infrastructure,” said officials.

About 18 km northeast of Wrigley and 1 km north of Hodgson Creek, a 1010 hectare lighting-caused fire (FS007) is being after an intense response activated by crews and air support.

Another fire, located approximately 23 km southeast of Fort Simpson and 24km northwest of Jean-Marie River (FS014) is being actioned on by Fire crews and monitored.

“The Incident Management Team and wildfire crews assigned to this fire continue make good progress. Nearly 50 per cent of the perimeter has been contained by crews. Air support continues as required to assist them in their progress,” said NWT Fire.

SOUTH SLAVE REGION

In the South Slave region, one new fire (SS013) has been spotted about  6 km south of Hwy 6 and about 7.5 km north-northeast of Hwy 5. 

“This lightning caused fire is approximately 25 hectares in size and under initial attack by air and crews,” said officals who reported the fire poses no immediate threats to communities or infrastructure at this time.

SAHTU REGION

The Sahtu region saw one new fire break out about 32 km east of Aubry Lake, on the north side of the Colville Lake. The lightning caused fire (VQ015) is about 1 hectare in size. NWT Fire assured that the fire poses no immediate threats to communities or infrastructure.

Officials cautioned that the territories remain in drought, which means fire can travel quickly. 

NWT Fire urges residents to be mindful of campfires and ensure that any fires are fully extinguished.

“Human-caused fires can pull resources from other fires as they are often closest to the things we care about. ALWAYS SOAK-STIR-SOAK your campfire!,” urged Fire officials.

Currently, the city of Yellowknife and the town of Hay River, along with a number of other communities in NWT remain under a fire ban.

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