Wildfires in the Dehcho and in the North Slave region showed increased activity today and officials have issued a fire weather advisory for the N.W.T.
“Most of the NWT will experience hot, dry weather with strong winds over the weekend. Current fires could see increased fire activity, and smoke may become more visible in some communities,” said NWT Fire.
Officials urged residents to be mindful of campfires and bans in place across the territories.
Crews caution not to leave campfires unattended, especially in current fire weather conditions, which could quickly become a wildfire.
Crews advised the public to follow the golden rule of “Soak, Stir, Soak,” – “If you can’t hold your hand over it, it’s not out,” said NWT Fire.
DEHCHO
Firefighters continue to monitor and respond to wildfires in the Fort Liard complex. 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.
“Fire behaviour is increasing as it reacts to the drier weather. The smoke plumes will be visible from Fort Simpson and Jean Marie River. The activity is in areas of the fire that are being monitored. There is no threat to either community. The south end of the fire is now considered to be held, and crews continue to patrol that part of the fire looking for any remaining hotspots,” said NWT Fire.
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.
Fire FS009, east of Fort Liard showed decreased activity.
Officials reported that the area around Fort Liard had heavy downpours this week, which has helped bring down the fire risk.
“Structure protection will continue as a precaution. There remains no threat to communities or infrastructure due to these wildfires at this time.,” said NWT Fire.
NORTH SLAVE REGION
A lightning-caused fire (ZF048-25) was spotted earlier this week approximately 27 km southwest of Whati but is currently located about 25 km from the community.
“The ongoing dry conditions continue to present challenging firefighting efforts. The fire has spread primarily to the north, northwest and remains approximately 25 km from the community of Whati and 1234 hectares in size. While the fire will be visible, it presents no short-term threat to Whati or any other known values in the area.,” said NWT Fire.
The wildfire located about 3 km west of Hwy 3 (ZF015-25) continues to be active and is over 100,000 hectares in size.
“This fire, 126,575 hectares in size, continues to burn, with reports of flames jumping Birch Creek. Smoke and visibility challenges are likely for travellers. ECC is working with the Department of Infrastructure to ensure the highway remains safe. Crews are closely monitoring this fire and structure protection on cabins in the area is being deployed as needed,” said NWT Fire.
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) is being monitored by firefighters.
“Crews are monitoring this fire, that is now estimated to be 14,403 hectares in size. There are currently no threats to Blachford Lake Lodge or Hearne Lake Lodge. Structure protection will be deployed as needed,” said NWT Fire.
SOUTH SLAVE REGION
The fire (SS014-25) located about 24 km northwest of Fort Providence continues to be monitored for fire activity.
On Tuesday, crews reported the fire had grown slightly.
“This fire, measuring 18,429 hectares, 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 NWT Fire today.
BEAUFORT DELTA AND THE SAHTU
Officials reported that there were no fires of concern at the time of the NWT Fire update.
