Today, people across the territories held their breath as a wildfire edged closer to Fort Providence, nearing its closest boundary by 900 meters. The fate of the fire may rest in the shift of winds in conjunction with a strategic, coordinated response by crews.
While crews maintained a 7 km distance between an aggressive blaze and Whati, high winds later this week could potentially sweep fires closer to the community.
Jean Marie River First Nation remains on an Evacuation Notice after strong winds expanded the wildfire. So far, the southern flank has held, keeping the blaze about 15 km from the community’s border.
With one community on Evacuation Orders in the South Slave, another community on Evacuation Orders in the North Slave and a community on an Evacuation Notice in the Dehcho – people across the territories are watching and waiting for the wildfire season to take a turn.
NORTH SLAVE REGION
Despite persisting fire weather conditions, fire ZF048 has kept situated at about 7 km from the Whati airport and about 8 km from the community. An Evacuation Order was issued on Friday and remains in place.
“South to south-east winds are expected today with 50-60 per cent moisture in the air,” making for a “mild burning day,” said firefighters.
Wildland teams are tackling the blaze over land and making use of water bodies to direct multi-action response.
“Wildfire crew were successful in completing an ignition operation south of Lac La Martre. Today, they will mop up the ignition line from Lac La Matre to La Martre River to secure the line, using helicopters and grounds crews when it is safe to do so. This will help provide a large fuel break to halt future growth,” said crews.
Structure protection has been installed at various locations in the community and is being built upon through the coordinated organizing between the GNWT and the community government.
“There remains a risk to the community of Whati until the perimeter of the ignition line is fully assessed and secured,” advised officials.
The fire ZF015, continued to showed intense fire activity. Located west of Hwy 3, the fire has persisted despite the ongoing response of Wildland crews since June.
Intense fire activity is visible along the highway with crews working to protect cabins and other values on the landscape.
GNWT’s department of Infrastructure reported that Hwy 3 was reopened today, but officials are advising travellers to drive cautiously and to keep an eye on updates at DiveNWT.ca
Yesterday, ZF024 near Hearne, Buckham, Watta Lakes showed increased fire activity caused an evacuation of a nearby lodge.
Today, firefighters continued to activate a response to the blaze.
“Crews are mopping up the area close to Blachford Lake Lodge. At the closest point, it is less than one km from the lodge,” said NWT Fire.
Firefighters are also installing sprinklers to protect structures.
Yesterday, fire ZF052-25, moved about 3 km closer to Edzo The blaze stayed put today at about 27 km west of the community and about 10 km east of Hwy 9. The fire reignited on Thursday and crews are continuing to monitor it.
Officials assured that the community is not currently at risk.
Crews activated a successful response to fire (ZF013) near Rae Rock mine.
“This fire was 100 m away from Snare Hydo facilities and structures, but wildfire crews managed to knock it down. Crews are mopping up the area today,” said NWT Fire.
A human caused fire was spotted today on Tin Can Hill. In response, crews from the department of the Environment and Climate Change mobilized bucket drops with a helicopter. The fire remains about 0.1 hectares in size.
SOUTH SLAVE REGION
Fort Providence issued an Evacuation Order yesterday after heavy winds brought excessive growth to the fire, pushing the fire closer to the community. Today, Fort Providence continues to be under an Evacuation Order.
At its closest point, the fire is located just under 1 km from the community’s border.
“The south-east section of this fire is within 900 metres of the southeastern eddge of Fort Providence. Today, there are light winds from the east and east-southeast which could cause growth on active fire fronts to the west,” said crews.
Wind conditions forecasted today may offer an avenue for what crews say is a “strategic direct attack” on certain areas of the fire’s front, while mobilizing crews and heavy equipment to against the fire’s edge nearest the community.
“Heavy equipment is working to remove fuel directly along the fire’s southeast flank which approached the community overnight with good progress being made,” said crews.
Fire weather conditions are expected to continue in the area. NWT Fire continued an aggressive response to the wildfire today, which includes five crews, two intermediate helicopters, seven dozers, two mulchers, and seven fire trucks led by an incident management team and structure protection specialists.
NWT Fire made further progress on the northern flank of fire SS031 located about 40 km south of Fort Resolution.
“Crews have scanned the area near this fire. They will cold trail around the fire and extinguish any nearby smoke,” said firefighters.
On Friday, response teams wrapped up the northern flank of the blaze.
DEHCHO
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.
Weather conditions are working in favour of response teams.
“Winds are easing today, coming from the southeast and gusting at 3 km per hour.. This may cause some growth to the west, away from Jean Marie River,” said firefighters.
Air crews are attacking the fire when conditions allow.
“Air support are making drops to slow the fire’s progress towards Jean Marie River when visibility allows,” said NWT Fire.
The structure protection team continued setting up sprinklers and structure protections.
Officials assured that the community of Fort Simpson and the ferry landing are not currently at threat due to this fire.
“The Community of Jean Marie River is not at imminent threat due to this wildfire. However, with its proximity to the community, there remains concern for future growth,” said crews.
The fire’s south end, which is the closest edge of the wildfire to the community of Jean Marie River was aggressively fought over the last few weeks. This south flank has held amid extreme wind conditions, said NWT Fire.
Winds are forecasted to continue blowing from the southeast at 5 to 10 km per hour for Tuesday, and by Wednesday, winds are anticipated to increase coming from the northwest.
“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.”
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 are advising to keep a tank full of fuel and have any important belongings prepared and packed to go.
Crews continue to closely monitor 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” today, but crews warn 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 the threat has reduced enough,” said NWT Fire.
SAHTU
In response to VQ018, located about 35 km north of Deline and about 15 km west of Russell Bay, firefighters have installed structure protection near cabins on the west coast of Great Bear Lake. The cabins are potentially at risk due to this fire, which is not anticipated to threaten the Deline.
Firefighters continued to battle fire VQ033 and made more progress today. Officials assured that Tulita is not at risk from the fire.
BEAUFORT DELTA
NWT Fire reported no fires of concern are burning in the region as of Sunday evening 3:30 p.m.
Wildland 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.
Yesterday, 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)
