Crews reported decreased fire activity across much of the territories today, due to recent rains, but advised that weather conditions may change in North Slave areas, potentially increasing fire risks.
“The NWT is expecting to see rain across several regions which will help slow down some wildfires. However, the North Slave is expecting drier conditions with stronger winds in some areas,” said crews.
There are 95 out of control fires burning in the NWT, including two new fires in the Dehcho region since yesterday. Jean Marie River First Nation continues to be on an Evacuation Notice but crews are making progress in actioning the fire that remains about 12.5 km north of the community and about 22 km from Fort Simpson.
The fire near Hwy 3 in the North Slave continues to show activity and is being actioned on by crews.
DEHCHO
Fires in the Fort Liard complex continue to be monitored and actioned by crews.
The wildfire (FS014-25) was last assessed at being located about 12.5 km northwest of Jean Marie River and about 22 km southeast of Fort Simpson.
“With an IMT in place to manage this fire, crews and air support are making great progress in containing the southeast section of the fire, closest to Jean Marie River,” said NWT Fire.
Yesterday, crews working on the ground and in the air reported that about 80 per cent of the southeast section of the fire, closest to the community, was contained.
Tthets’éhk’edélî (Jean Marie River First Nation) remains on an Evacuation Notice.
Jean Marie River First Nation officials advised community members to check the community Facebook Page for updates.
Updates are also available on GNWT’s Alert pages webpage and the GNWT Fire Map.
Officials also advised community members to keep informed and prepared in case conditions change due to a wildfire that was last assessed to be located about 12.5 km from the community.
NWT Fire assured that Jean Marie River First Nation and Fort Simpson are not considered at threat by this fire.
Two new starts were spotted in the Dehcho region including one fire (FS040-25) located northwest of FS014-25. Crews were are working to contain this new fire.
Fire FS009, east of Fort Liard continues to be monitored by crews.
“The area around Fort Liard had heavy downpours yesterday, which helped lower the fire risk. There remains no threat to communities or infrastructure due to these wildfires at this time,” said officials.
Another wildfire (FS039-25), located about 21 km east of Hwy 7 and 32 km northeast of Fort Liard is less than 1 hectare in size.
NORTH SLAVE REGION
The wildfire located about 3 km west of Hwy 3 (ZF015-25) showed decreased activity.
On Friday and Saturday, crews reported increased activity at this fire as it spread closer to the highways’ south end, but today the fire showed decreased activity.
“This fire continues to burn and smoke and visibility challenges are likely for travellers,” advised NWT Fire.
Crews with the Department of Infrastructure are working to ensure the highway remains safe,” said crews.
Officials advise travellers to check conditions on roadways using DriveNWT.ca
A wildfire near Campbell Lake and east of Hearne Lake and Watta Lake Lodge (F024-25) showed decreased activity today.
There was a “significant” decrease in fire behaviour again today. Crews from the department of Infrastructure are continuing to monitor the fire.
“There are currently no short term concerns of it reaching Blachford Lake Lodge,” said NWT Fire.
Earlier this week, a fire (ZF039-25) located about 2.5 km east of Rae Lake’s north end grew from 500 hectares to about 2400 hectares in size, said Graf and NWT Fire.
Officials reported that this fire remains about 2409 hectares in size. Crews reported low fire behaviour and are continuing to monitor the area.
NWT Fire advised that smoke remains visible in the area. Anyone who would like information on where smoke is coming from can to head to https://firesmoke.ca
A lightning-caused fire (ZF048-25) was spotted earlier this week approximately 27 km southwest of Whati.
“This fire has seen some growth since Monday, but crews have been working hard to contain the whole perimeter. The risk to Whati is very low,” said NWT Fire.
SOUTH SLAVE
The fire (SS014-25) located about 24 km northwest of Fort Providence continues to be monitored for fire activity.
“This fire has grown slightly in the last 24 hours and may be visible from highway 3 at times. The community of Fort Providence is not at threat – there are swamps and other barriers to fire spread to the south,” said officials.
The wildfire that was located about 50 km east of Fort Resolution (SS027-25) has been declared out.
Officials urged residents to be mindful of campfires and 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.
