Firefighters reported that there continues to be a potential threat to Whati due to fire Z048, but the possible the risk is not immediate. At its closest point, the blaze remains about 7 km south of the Whati airport and about 8 km south of the community border.
“The fire is not expected to reach the community today or tomorrow given expected weather conditions, though has seen, and may continue to see, significant growth to the south,” said crews.
South to southeast winds are expected today, moving at 5 km per hour and gusting up to 15 km per hour and the moisture in the air is at about 50 to 60 percent, making for a “mild burning day,” said Wildland Fire crews.
Today, firefighters successfully mobilized an ignition operation south of Lac La Matre.
“This was done to use as a natural barrier to stop the fire from spreading and to burn off vegetation in the fire’s path toward the community,” said NWT Fire.
“Crews will mop up the ignition line from Lac La Matre to La Martre River to secure the ignition line, using helicopters and ground crews when it is safe to do so. This will provide a large fuel break to halt future fire growth,” added crews.
The action response today includes air support who are making drops at the fire’s north and east flanks to quell the fire’s intensity and cut potential spread towards Whati.
“Structure protection has been established at the community’s edge – with sprinklers being run periodically throughout the day to ensure the system is ready to run should fire encroach,” said crews.
“Heavy equipment is working to create breaks in fuel behind residential neighbourhoods at the north of the community to reduce potential wildfire intensity should the fire encroach,” said NWT Fire.
At this time, a direct attack is deemed unsafe and would be ineffective because of the expanse of the fire’s front and the weather conditions
Officials assured that there have been no losses of cabins or homes at this time.
Tomorrow, southerly winds are expected to pick up at about 15 to 18 km per hour and gusting up to 39 km per hour.
“Temperatures are expected to be drier and rise back up to 20 degrees,” said fire crews.
Moving later into the week, light showers with winds gusting up to 57 km per hour are forecasted for Wednesday.
The community of Whati remains on an Evacuation Order.
