Crews held the line on fires across the NWT, but warned that possible weather conditions today and tomorrow could pose increased fire risks.
“This event is expected to continue through Tuesday. Active fires with no recent rain could be expected to be more active,” said officials.
This evening, Environment Canada is warning of a potential severe thunderstorm capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain. Affected areas include the Fort Providence region, including Kakisa and Chan Lake, the Wrigley region, the Fort Simpson region and Jean Marie River First Nation.
This evening, Environment Canada has also issued air quality advisories of poor air quality and reduced visibility for the Fort Simpson region, Jean Marie River First Nation, the Yellowknife region and the Lutsel K’e region.
Currently, there are 92 out of control fires burning in the N.W.T., including three new lighting-caused fires since yesterday and a persisting fire near a community in the Dehcho that remains under an evacuation alert.
DEHCHO
In the Dehcho region, the community of Tthets’éhk’edélî (Jean Marie First Nation) remains under an evacuation alert.
The wildfires of the Fort Liard complex continue to be closely monitored by crews.
The wildfire (FS014-25) was last assessed to be about 12.5 km northwest of Jean Marie River and about 22 km southeast of Fort Simpson.
“Today’s assessment of the fire showed no meaningful movement by this fire. The moisture received in the area means there has been no change to threat assessment, at this time, to Jean Marie River at the time of this post. Even with the strong northwesterly winds expected tomorrow we expect the moisture will continue to aid efforts in fighting this fire,” said NWT Fire today.
Crews reported that helicopters and air tankers were effective on the south end of this fire on Friday, which helped to stop expansion towards Jean Marie River.
Protections remain in place as a precaution.
“Structure protection is up and ready in Jean Marie River should it be necessary,” said NWT Fire.
Officials advised community members to keep a tank full of fuel in their vehicles and have any important belongings prepared and packed to go.
Jean Marie River First Nation Officials advised community members to check the community Facebook Page, to listen to the radio station 101.9 and to check community information boards for updates.
Updates are also available on GNWT’s Alert pages webpage and the GNWT Fire Map.
NWT Fire assured that the village of Fort Simpson is not currently at threat due to the wildfire.
For the fire FS009, east of Fort Liard, structure protections remain at Bovie Lake to protect cabins in the area and on infrastructure. The fire continues to show little activity again today, said NWT Fire.
Officials said that the fire does not pose a risk to communities or infrastructure at this time.
A new lightning caused fire, about 1 hectare in size, is located about 20 km east of Hwy 7 and north of Muskeg River.
“A crew is on initial attack with bucketing support from a helicopter. It is not currently a threat to communities or infrastructure,” said NWT Fire today.
NORTH SLAVE REGION
The wildfire located about 3 km west of Hwy 3 (ZF015-25) showed increased activity this week and continued to show increased activity over this weekend, said NWT Fire today.
Over the weekend, into holiday Monday today, crews continued to maintain structure protection on nearby cabins and continued to mop up the area.
“Smoke and visibility challenges are likely for travellers – drive with caution. ECC is working with the Department of Infrastructure to ensure the highway remains safe to operate on and that crews can work safely,” said NWT Fire.
Officials advise travellers to check conditions on roadways using DriveNWT.ca
Crews said today that the wildfire near Campbell Lake and east of Hearne Lake and Watta Lake Lodge (F024-25) is being monitored due to sustained hot conditions over the long weekend, but monitoring of the area so far has assessed it as currently being at low risk.
NWT Fire said that crews continue to hold the line on this fire.
“Crews continue to maintain sprinklers in the area proactively and are working on spot fires within the perimeter. A containment line has been established on the south side of Buckham Lake and will also be monitored for fire activity. Additional lodges and values on the land are being assessed and protected with sprinklers as required to prepare for the long-term management of this wildfire. Crews confirmed yesterday that the north side of Buckham Lake is holding,” said NWT Fire.
A lightning-caused fire (ZF039-25) located about 2.5 km east of Rae Lake’s north end remains about 500 hectares in size.
NWT Fire reported that over the weekend, crews were in Gamètì working towards a planned ignition.
“The planned ignition went forward on Saturday and is reported to have gone well in establishing a fuel break for the community. The fire is currently burning to the northwest due to southeasterly winds,” said crews.
Officials advised that smoke will be visible in the area from fires further south in the territory. NWT Fire said that anyone who would like information on where smoke is coming from, to head to https://firesmoke.ca
A lightning-caused fire (ZF047-25) was spotted about 10.5 km west of Wecho lake and 24.5 km south of Wekweeti. This fire is about 10 hectares in size and is being monitored by crews. Officials assured that this fire is not a threat to communities, infrastructure or cabins at this time.
SOUTH SLAVE
A lightning-caused fire (SS025-25), located about 10 km northeast of Pilot Lake, remains about 3 hectares in size and is being held. Officials said this fire currently does not pose a threat to communities, infrastructure or cabins.
The fire (SS014-25) located about 24 km northwest of Fort Providence is showing more signs of fire activity and officials reported that the fire has grown.
Firefighters continued to carry on work to ensure sprinklers are up around nearby structures and are mopping up the area. Crews advised that there is a large smoke column visible in Fort Providence and to travellers on Highway 3, but assured the community of Fort Providence is not under threat. Swamps and other barriers in the nearby area will prevent fire spread to the south, said NWT Fire.
A fire (SS026-25) is located about 12 km east of the southern point of Snowbird Lake.
“This lightning-caused fire has been assessed at 10 hectares in size. It is being monitored and is not a threat to communities, infrastructure, or cabins at this time,” said NWT Fire.
The SAHTU and BEAUFORT DELTA
Crews reported today that currently there are no fires of concern in these regions.
NWT Fire asks anyone who would like more information to head to www.nwtfire.com or reach a Wildfire Information Officer at 867-445-5484 for updated information on the wildfire situation.
Officials urged residents to be mindful of campfires and any bans in place.
Fort Simpson is among the communities with a full fire ban in place. Hay River is among the communities with a partial fire ban in place.
Crews caution not to leave campfires unattended, especially in current fire weather conditions, which could quickly become a wildfire.
Firefighters are advising to keep a close eye on fires and observe golden rule of “Soak, Stir, Soak,” – “If you can’t hold your hand over it, it’s not out,” said NWT Fire.
