Firefighters have made significant progress on wildfires across the NWT, but three lodges remain at risk in the North Slave region as crews continue an active response. One new wildfire was reported in the Dehcho region and officials caution that dry conditions continue in territories which means fires can spread quickly.
NORTH SLAVE REGION
In the North Slave region, one wildfire continue to threaten three lodge structures in areas near Campbell Lake.
The wildfire (ZF024) near the south end of Campbell Lake continues to be 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 1300 hectares,” said NWT Fire.
Officials reported that some area lodges remain at risk, with some 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.
Fire crews are also continuing a targeted response on another wildfire in the North Slave region, located about 3 km east of Watta Lake (ZF011).
“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 officials.
Firefighters have made progress on a wildfire (ZF009) located about 8 km southeast of the NICO Cobalt Mine.
“Crews have made great progress containing this fire as it is more than 60% contained,” NWT Fire reported.
BEAUFORT DELTA REGION
In the Beaufort region, Fire crews continue mobilizing a response for number of fires.
About 20 km southwest of Fort McPherson a fire (EV019-25) can clearly be seen from the Dempster Highway.
“It is 112 hectares in size and crews have conducted limited action with the help of Rescue and Wildland crews,” 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.
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.
Crews are also responding to another fire, located about 33 km east of Inuvik ( EV016-25).
“This fire is currently 50 hectares in size and crews are acting on it with help from Rescue and Wildland crews, as well as 802s. There are no threats to the community or other values at this time,” said officials.
About 37 km east of Inuvik, the activity of the wildfire (EV017-25) was reported yesterday to have decreased and was being held. This wildfire is three hectares in size and firefighters continue to activate a response.
“A crew is working to contain it with support from Rescue and Wildland crews, as well as 802s,” said NWT Fire.
About 15 km southwest of Fort McPherson, another wildfire (EV021-25 ) has decreased from 32 hectares in size yesterday to just one hectare in the last 24 hours.
Because cof onditions, crews have had to desist their response temporarily as the “current terrain makes it unsafe for crews to work,” said NWT Fire.
DEHCHO REGION
In the Dehcho region, Fire crews saw progress in containing a number of wildfires.
A new naturally caused wildfire (FS019), less than one hectare in size, is located about 6 km south of Sambaa K’e is.
“802s were immediately dispatched to work on containing it yesterday and wildfire crews are working on it today as well,” said officials.
About 18 km northeast of Sambaa K’e, a lightning caused fire (FS018) spotted on July 1, remains about 40 hectares in size.
Fire crews continued an active response to protect area structures.
“There are cabins in the area crews are working to protect. There are no threats to the community of Sambaa K’e or infrastructure in the area at this time,” assured Fire officials.
Fire crews from the Yukon have joined NWT Fire crews to contain the a number of fires (FS002, FS006 and FS009) in the Liard Complex.
“Crews from the Yukon have joined in helping contain the fire to prevent growth towards the community of Fort Liard. No immediate threats to communities or infrastructure,” said NWT Fire.
Firefighters continue to respond to a wildfire, located approximately 23 km southeast of Fort Simpson and 24km northwest of Jean-Marie River (FS014).
“Air tankers are acting on the fire today. 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 officials.
SOUTH SLAVE REGION
In the South Slave region, a fire reported yesterday (SS013), located about 6 km south of Hwy 6 and about 7.5 km north-northeast of Hwy 5 has grown by about five hectares in the past 24 hours..
“This lightning-caused fire is approximately 30 hectares in size. Crews, a helicopter and air tanker are working to hold the northern flank to prevent it from getting closer to highway 6.,” said NWT Fire.
Officials advised residents to be aware fo smoke in the area and to keep updated through the territorial drive advisories webpages https://drivenwt.ca.
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.
