Regions of the N.W.T. are experiencing extreme fire danger as wildfire activity slows down across the rest of Canada. Two more communities could potentially see an evacuation as the North Slave, South Slave and Dehcho regions are seeing persisting wildfire activity in the last days of August due to record-breaking heat, strong winds and dry conditions that make for ongoing “aggressive fire weather.”
Today, Fort Providence issued an Evacuation Alert after strong winds pushed lingering fires closer to community borders and Jean Marie River First Nation issued an Evacuation Notice after a fire located about 15 km from the community expanded significantly. Fortunately, the fire did not expand towards its border.
Yesterday, Whatì leadership called a state of emergency and issued an evacuation order due to fire ZF048. Whatì community members were required to evacuate the area yesterday morning.
NORTH SLAVE REGION
Fire ZF048 which was last reported to be about 7 km from Whati, remains the territory’s “number one priority wildfire.” The community continues to be under an evacuation order.
“This fire grew to 29,000 hectares yesterday. However, it did not grow closer to the community of Whati. Most activity was seen along the east flank of the fire. It remains approximately 7 km from the airport, and 8 km from the community’s most populated areas,” said NWT Fire today.
Wildland crews say a wind shift from the northwest is expected.
“This would push the fire back on itself and away from the community of Whati. Due to those winds, the fire is likely to grow significantly to the south and east. The wind shift should provide an opportunity to attack the fire directly with airtankers and helicopters.”
Officials said protection is being maintained in the community. Crews from the GNWT and the Tłı̨chǫ government are working together to extend the fire protection.
On Wednesday, crews made progress, hitting the fire with airtankers, but yesterday things changed.
Wildland warned that with winds coming from the south to southwest today at a speed of about 25 km per hour and gusting up to 40 km per hour, the fire could potentially spread closer to the community.
“While there are barriers that could help curb the fire from the community, there is the potential that the fire crosses them. Sprinkler systems are running on all sectors at the community’s edge and will continue throughout the day to protect structures. The local fire department is working closely with ECC to prepare for the potential for the fire encroaching,” said NWT Fire yesterday afternoon.
The Government of Tłı̨chǫ announced the Evacuation Order yesterday morning, posting the message on their Facebook cite, calling for all community members to leave immediately.
Sherbaz Mohammad, Whati’s community’s administrative officer, said more information will be provided when community members register.
Evacuees are being asked to register with reception centres being set up in Behchokǫ̀ and Yellowknife, according to an announcement posted on the social media this morning.
“Residents of Whati may register at the Yellowknife Field House for the evacuation,” said Mohammad.
The address is 45 Kam Lake Rd, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2N4. Beds area available at the centre along with showers and other needed facilities and resources.
The Behchokǫ̀ Sports Plex is also open as an evacuation center and is actively registering evacuees.
Community members are asked to check updates regularly at the GNWT Public Safety webpage.
The GNWT provides financial support to help evacuees with immediate costs for expenses like gasoline, groceries, and accommodations through the emergency evacuation relief program. All evacuees who live in Whati are eligible. Anyone who would like to receive support from this program is required to register as an evacuee with their community government, according to the information posted by Whati officials today.
Anyone who would like more information or assistance to register can call 867-767-9168 ext. 15027 or email [email protected]
Information on services available to evacuees can be found at https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/public-safety/services-and-supports-evacuees.
The fire ZF015 located west of Hwy 3, persisted in increased active fire activity, despite the ongoing response of Wildland crews since June.
“Travellers should expect to see increasing fire activity over the long weekend. Crews continue to work to protect cabins and other values on the landscape,” said NWT Fire.
Wildland teams and infrastructure crews said the fire continues to be most visible between KM 140-160 on Highway 3.
Earlier today, GNWT’s Department of Infrastructure reported that Hwy 3 was closed between Fort Providence and the junction of Hwy 9 to Whati.
Travellers are cautioned to drive carefully and to check current conditions on roadways using DriveNWT.ca
Officials are asking that travellers not stop along the highway.
Fire ZF024 near Hearne, Buckham, Watta Lakes continued to be monitored today, with structure protections maintained on values near the fire, said NWT Fire today.
Fire ZF052-25, is grew to 1,500 hectares yesterday, said NWT Fire. The blaze is located about 30 km west of Edzo and 10 km east of Hwy 9. The fire reignited on Thursday and grew 7 km to the south. Crews are continuing an active response to contain the fire.
A human-caused fire (ZF054) last estimated to be about 0.5 hectares in size, was spotted near David Lake on Wednesday.
“It is now considered under control,” said NWT Fire today.
SOUTH SLAVE REGION
Fort Providence issued an Evacuation Alert today after heavy winds brought excessive growth to the fire, pushing the fire closer to the community. The wildfire has crossed the highway.
Earlier this week, crews advised that the fire SS014, located about 14 km northeast of Fort Providence, would likely see increased activity.
“Fort Providence is now under an evacuation alert due to extraordinary growth on this fire. It has crossed highway 3 and is growing closer to Fort Providence. A structure protection team is working to set up sprinklers and water cannons to protect the community. As of this update, Infrastructure has closed highway 3 from Fort Providence to the Hwy 9 junction. This fire is causing heavy smoke in Hay River due to strong winds blowing in their direction,” said NWT Fire.
Community members are advised to be prepared in case conditions worsen and an Evacuation Order is issued.
“Residents of Fort Providence should be ready to evacuate on short notice due to a wildfire in the area. This is currently an alert to prepare. If you need to evacuate, an order will be issued with further information. Updates from the Hamlet of Fort Providence will be put on Facebook on the Fort Providence Announcements & Events page,” said officials this evening.
Yesterday, the fire did not grow as much as crews had anticipated, but officials had warned that strong winds could mean a risk of the blaze’s expansion.
Yesterday, as a precautionary measure, crews began the process of setting up structure protection around Fort Providence with a sprinkler system.
Firefighters made progress on the northern flank of fire SS031 located about 40 km south of Fort Resolution.
After mobilization of a response by the fire line personnel, crews wrapped up the northern flank of the wildfire.
“Crews will continue monitoring this fire and ensure it stays within its current perimeter,” said NWT Fire.
Wednesday, air tankers strengthened the retardant line on the northern flank with helicopters bucketing the area.
Fire SS013, near Buffalo Junction, has picked up in activity. Officials advised smoke may be visible along highway 3 due to this blaze.
“This fire picked up Friday and is about 150 metres south of Highway 6. Helicopters have bucketed the area and continue to monitor it. Smoke may be visible along highway 3,” said crews.
DEHCHO
The wildfire FS014 saw significant growth today, causing officials to issue an Evacuation Notice for Jean Marie River First Nation. The blaze was last assessed at being located about 15 km northwest of Tthets’éhk’edélî (Jean Marie River) and about 22 km southeast of Fort Simpson.
“This fire grew significantly this afternoon under extreme northerly to northwest winds today. The fire is about 15km to the northwest of Jean Marie River. Crews are bucketing this fire to limit growth to the south. They are working to ensure it does not move closer to Jean Marie River,” said NWT Fire crews.
The GNWT posted a notice on their emergency response pages advising the residents of Jean Marie River First Nation the potential increased risk to the community and residents.
“The community of Jean Marie River is advised to prepare for a potential emergency and/or evacuation if necessary. Residents are asked to monitor news sources and keep aware of the situation. For updates, check the Jean Marie River First Nations Facebook Page. Local Residents are instructed to check in with the band office if they have questions,” said officials.
Community members are being advised to also to listen to the radio station 101.9, check community information boards for updates and GNWT’s Wildfire Update pages.
Officials encouraged community members to keep a tank full of fuel in their vehicles and have any important belongings prepared and packed to go.
Yesterday, crews activated a response to the fire’s south flank, which had been holding well. The south end of the fire remains the focus of firefighting efforts.
Earlier this month, the fire expanded towards the banks of the Mackenzie and has reached it in some areas, where crews faced significant activity on the northeast corner of this fire.
Firefighters are keeping a close eye on persisting wildfires in the Fort Liard complex. Some structure protection will continue at cabins in the area of FS009, east of Fort Liard as a precaution.
The fire showed “little activity” again today but crews caution that there remains a chance of increasing fire activity due to the extreme fire weather conditions over the next few days.
“Structure protection continues to be maintained on cabins in the area. Structure protection equipment is being demobilized from the community of Fort Liard as threat has reduced enough,” said NWT Fire.
Crews activated an initial response to a new fire (FS041), about 0.5 hectares in size, spotted northwest of Nahanni Butte.
Today officials reported the fire remains about 0.5 hectares in size and has shown minimal fire activity.
“Crews have set up a pump and hose around it to ensure it does not grow,” said NWT Fire crews.
SAHTU
Fire VQ033, located about 4 km east of Tulita, remains less than 1 hectare in size. Crews were first mobilized Tuesday night and have been trying to contain the blaze since.
“Crews are working hard to contain this fire ahead of expected strong winds this weekend. Crews will continue to work this fire until it is fully contained. It is suspected to be lightning caused.
Officials said the fire is burning in a somewhat swampy terrain.
“It is smoldering at the moment but producing some smoke which is visible in Tulita at times. It is not expected to become an issue,” said crews.
Firefighters are monitoring fire VQ018, located about 35 km north of Deline and 20 km northwest of Russell Bay.
“Crews will be assessing threats to nearby structures on Sunday and deploying protection as necessary,” said NWT Fire today.
BEAUFORT DELTA
NWT Fire said no fires of concern are burning in the region at this time.
Crews urged residents across the territories to be mindful of campfires and bans in place.
The town of Hay River announced yesterday that a full fire ban now in effect for Hay River. Fort Simpson has also announced a full fire ban.
Today, the city of Yellowknife advised residents and visitors that open burning, including campfires, fireworks, and other activities involving fire, is strongly discouraged.
“Fires should only be used when absolutely necessary for food preparation or warmth,” said officials.
Wildland teams urged the public not to leave campfires unattended, especially in current fire weather conditions, which could quickly become a wildfire. Officials advise the public to follow any active bans or partial bans in place.
NWT Fire reminded folks to follow the golden rule of “Soak, Stir, Soak,” – “If you can’t hold your hand over it, it’s not out,” said crews.
Officials ask the public to report new starts to the Wildfire Public Information Line (867-445-5484)
