An Evacuation Notice remains in place for Jean Marie River First Nation. The fire S014 was last estimated to be about 15 km from the community.
“Winds are easing today from the heavy north-northwest winds seen through last night’s event,” Mike Westwick, of NWT Fire, told True North FM.
Winds are expected from the east to northeast throughout the day, potentially causing growth primarily to the west, with some southern progression. 5 to15 km per hour sustained, with gusts between 25 to 30 km per hour.
On Monday, the winds may cause more growth of the fire.
“Winds expected from the southeast on Monday, which could cause growth to the west – away from the community of Jean Marie River,” said officials.
Wildland crews reported that the community of Jean Marie River is not at imminent threat due to this wildfire, but there is concern about the risk of fire expansion.
“However, with its proximity to the community after the wind event, there remains concern for future growth,” said NWT Fire.
Officials said the community of Fort Simpson and the ferry landing is not at threat at this time.
Crews said that night’s cold front caused the west flank of the wildfire to blow out, as heavy winds over 50 km per hour swept over from the north to northwest.
Wildland teams reported today that the south flank, the closest edge of this wildfire to the community of Jean Marie River, has held despite extreme wind conditions last night.
The south flank had been aggressively fought over the last few weeks and crews continue to action this side of the fire.
“Air support are making drops to slow the fire’s progress towards Jean Marie River as visibility allows,” said NWT Fire today.
FireSmarting work completed within the community of Jean Marie River throughout this summer has helped to reduce wildfire vulnerability, said crews.
The Evacuation Notice was issued yesterday when the fire expanded northwards.
“This fire grew significantly this afternoon under exteme northerly to northwest winds today. The fire is about 15 km 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 yesterday.
On Friday, 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.
Yesterday, 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.
