NWT Fire and Tthets’ek’ehdeli Got’ie (Jean Marie First Nation) officials announced that the fire threat to the community has escalated, and an Evacuation Alert has been issued.
Community officials advise the Evacuation Alert is a notice of the potential danger which might arise due to wildfire FS14 in the area, and the possibility of having to evacuate on short notice.
NWT Fire advised that tomorrow, heavy winds are expected at up to 54 km per hour.
“Winds will steadily increase by tonight from the north northwest and into tomorrow morning,” said officials.
The fire S014 was last estimated to be about 15 km from the community.
Today, winds came in from the southeast at about 3 km per hour and gusting at about 10 km per hour with cooler temperatures.
Relative humidity is forecast to reach about 70 per cent today, which crews said may help slow the fire.
Officials said important notices will be delivered door to door and advised community members to check the community Facebook Page, to listen to the radio station 101.9 and to check community information boards for updates.
Community officials are also advising to keep a tank full of fuel and have any important belongings prepared and packed to go.
Updates are also available on GNWT’s Alert pages webpage and the GNWT Fire Map.
Yesterday crews attacked the fire via air and today, they continued to do so when conditions allowed.
“Air support are making drops to slow the fire’s progress towards Jean Marie River when visibility allows,” said crews.
Yesterday and today, the structure protection team continued setting up sprinklers and structure protections.
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 continued to hold amid extreme wind conditions, said NWT Fire today.
Officials reported that there have been no losses of homes at this time.
Wildland crews assured that the community of Fort Simpson and the ferry landing are not currently at threat due to this fire.
 officials announced that the fire threat to the community has escalated, and an Evacuation Alert has been issued.){kind=link}