The heavy wind activity anticipated since Sunday, created challenges in the fire response, but so far crews have been successful in maintaining the fire line in wildfires with expansive, huge fronts and intensive fire activity. In Whati and Fort Providence, the ignition operations mobilized after the wildfire boling point over the weekend are holding up so far.
Jean Marie River First Nation remains on an Evacuation Alert due to the potential of strong winds and erratic weather conditions that are forecasted to continue. So far, the problematic southern flank of the wildfire at the community’s border has held, keeping the blaze about 15 km from the community’s border at its closest point.
Crews maintained a 7 km distance between an aggressive blaze and Whati, despite high winds that came in as predicted today.
In Fort Providence, NWT Fire was able to keep the fire line at 900 meters at its closest point to the community.
NORTH SLAVE REGION
Wildland crews reported that Whati continues to be at threat due to fire ZF048.
“It is not yet safe to return to the community as visibility is extremely poor and the fire is extremely close to Whati,” said crews. An Evacuation Order remains in place.
“Crews are maintaining structure protections at the community’s edge and around residential areas,” said officials.
The fire remains about 7 km from the Whati airport and about 8 km from the community’s homes.
Sprinklers were activated intermittently.
The blaze was met today with light rains and north to northwest winds moving at about 22 km per hour.
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 earlier this week.
The Behchokǫ̀ Evacuation Centre was closed today and Whatì Evacuees were asked to relocated to the Yellowknife Evacuation Centre.
The Tłı̨chǫ Government said they will continue to provide food for Whatì Evacuees who choose to stay in Behchokǫ̀ with family/friends at the Culture Centre.
The Tłı̨chǫ Government Department of Wellness and Healing will be located outside the Yellowknife Evacuation Centre. Officials said they will also do city drives to locate and check in with Tłı̨chǫ citizens. Their main office in Behchokǫ̀ will remain open to provide support for any evacuees who choose to remain in Behchokǫ̀.
The Tłı̨chǫ Registration desk is also on site at the Evacuation Centre in Yellowknife and is avialable to provide resources and information for evacuees.
Families who choose to remain in Behchokǫ̀ can access supports at the Healthy Families Program located in the Charlie Charlo Building from 9 am to 5 pm every day.
Wildfire ZF015, persisted in fire activity across the landscape bordering Hwy 3, despite the ongoing efforts of crews
Intense fire activity can be seen along the highway as firefighters are monitor and respond to prevent the wildfire from spreading to cabins and other values on the landscape.
On Sunday, ZF024 near Hearne, Buckham, Watta Lakes caused the evacuation of a nearby lodge.
Structures were destroyed due to the wildfire and weather conditions on Saturday.
“Some structures within the Avalon’s Nechalacho site were lost on Thor Lake due to Saturday’s extreme wind event. Several structures, including facilities at the airstrip and processing and heavy equipment, were left unscathed,” said officials.
SOUTH SLAVE REGION
Fort Providence issued an Evacuation Order on Saturday after heavy winds brought excessive growth to the fire, pushing the fire closer to the community.
At its closest point, the fire is located 900 meters from the community’s border.
“Crews will continue mopping up an ignition line from the edge of the fire guard to secure the line.
Water cannons and sprinklers at the edge of the community remain in place. There have been no losses of homes reported at this time,” said crews.
NWT Fire reported that the ignition operation was completed yesterday. So far, the ignition line has held through.
“The goal will now be to continue mopping up the edge of the ignition line to build strong protection for the community. Until this is complete, there are still safety concerns for the community of Fort Providence,” said crews
No losses of homes were reported as of Wednesday evening.
“Aircrafts have been making drops to keep the line cool and ensure it holds. This work has been successful to this point. Airtankers will be used if required and as visibility allows. They have not yet been required as water delivery from helicopters has been sufficient,” said NWT Fire.
Crews are using heavy equipment to tightline, digging up fuel right at the fire’s edge around the wildfire perimeter to the west of the highway to prevent future growth towards Highway 3.
Tomorrow, weather conditions are forecasted to be more favourable.
NWT Fire continued an aggressive response to the wildfire today, which includes five crews, members of the Fort Providence Fire department, four medium helicopters, three intermediate helicopters, seven dozers, two mulchers, and two fire trucks, a water tender, led by an incident management team, an ignition specialist and structure protection specialists.
DEHCHO
An Evacuation Alert remains in place for Jean Marie River First Nation. The fire S014 was last estimated to be about 15 km from the community.
Rain worked in favour of response teams today, but strong winds made it difficult to combat the fire, said officials.
Air crews are attacking the fire when conditions allow and a structure protection team maintained structure protection.
Officials assured that the community of Fort Simpson and the ferry landing are not currently at threat due to this fire.
The fire’s south end has held amid extreme wind conditions, said NWT Fire.
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.
“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
Fire VQ018, located about 35 km north of Deline and about 15 km west of Russell Bay,
“A crew has set up structure protection around cabins on the west coast of Great Bear Lake that could potentially be impacted by this fire. It is not expected to threaten the community of Deline,” said NWT Fire.
BEAUFORT DELTA
NWT Fire reported no fires of concern are burning in the Beaufort Delta region at this time.
Wildland crews urged residents across the territories to be mindful of campfires and bans in place.
The town of Hay River announced that a full fire ban now in effect for Hay River. Fort Simpson has also announced a full fire ban.
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.
