Dehcho
Wildland crews reported this afternoon that the wildfire near Jean Marie River First Nation and Fort Simpson has doubled in size. Fire FS014 remains about 15 km from the community. At its closest point, the blaze is about 13 km south and 15 km east of the Village of Fort Simpson, said officials in a post today at about 3 p.m.
The blaze remains about 1 km east of Hwy 1 at KM 454 and is about 3.6 km from the Fort Simpson Ferry Landing.
NWT Fire crews advised that under current wind conditions, the fire could potentially grow towards Jean Marie River First Nation and the community could potentially face an Evacuation Order.
“North-northwest winds have begun today as a cold front begins to pass through the area. No rain is expected with that front. Winds expected to reach 15-20km/h sustained, gusts up to 35-45km/h. This could cause growth to the south and east – closer to Jean Marie River – in active parts of the fire on southern flanks,” said officials today.
Officials said that the wildfire is currently not considered to be a threat to Fort Simpson or the Fort Simpson airport.
“The Liard River provides a strong buffer to fire growth to the Fort Simpson side of the river. Winds today are not likely to support spot fire development towards the Liard River,” said crews.
Due to “forest fuel-driven,” crews warn that fire growth could cause the fire to reach Highway 1.
“This may still cause highway closures today. We are in contact with highways staff consistently and they are monitoring the situation,” said crews.
“The fire is currently burning mostly on the surface without much burning in the treetops on the west flank (closest to the Highway and Liard River),” added crews.
Wildfire officials said that the fibre line in the area is buried to protect against wildfire.
The Village of Fort Simpson has been proactive in ensuring people know what to do if a communications outage happens,” said NWT Fire.
Officials assured that significant suppression has been done on the southwest end of the fire closest to Jean Marie River First Nation in the last few days to help reduce the likelihood of growth towards the community.
NWT Fire reported that there have been no losses of homes at this time.
The south flank of the fire, which is the closest edge of this wildfire to the community of Jean Marie River has held, said crews.
“This wildfire has been fought since detection on June 27 – with direct action to contain the fire having escaped containment efforts, driven by severe drought and extreme weather events,” said Wildland team officials.
The community of Jean Marie River First Nation remains under an Evacuation Alert.
North Slave Region
Evacuees from Whati began making their way back home today, but officials advised them to be cautious of dangers in the area, including fallen trees, smoke and hazardous ash pits.
“All Whatı̀ residents are now able to return home,” said NWT Fire and community officials. Beginning this morning, community members began returning home.
The area will continue to experience unseasonably warm, windy weather with the possibility of scattered showers.
“Strong southeasterly winds are expected for the day at 20km/h, gusting up to 45km/h. Winds will shift north in the evening at 20-30km/h, gusting 40-50km/h,” said crews.
Tomorrow, temperatures are expected to cool slightly with strong north northeasterly winds at 20-25 km per hour, gusting up to 45 km per hour.
Officials said the fire ZF048 is not expected to reach the community. Crews reported the blaze showed “minimal growth” on the east, and southeast and south sides.
“We urge people to allow crews to continue working on containing this fire to ensure it remains safe as residents return to the community,” said NWT Fire.
Officials are advising community members who are returning home to avoid the wildfire-affected areas, especially ash pits, areas with falling trees, and other affected areas, as heat is active in the ground. Crews advised that there is equipment in the community that has yet to be demobilized, asking the public to keep a distance from it.
South Slave Region
In Fort Providence, fire SS014, remains about 900 m from the community at its closest point.
“Crews continue to mop up the edge of the ignition line to build strong protection for the community,” said NWT Fire.
Officials reported that progress was made on the extinguishment of the main ignition line northeast of the community.
Crews are also continuing to widen the firebreak on the east edge, using heavy equipment, which is being used to tightline operations.
NWT Fire teams are digging up fuel at the fire’s edge, up to about 30 feet on the wildfire’s perimeter west of the highway to prevent spread.
Water tankers and sprinklers remain installed at the edges of the community.
Fire weather conditions could potentially create a risk of fire spread.
“Hot, dry and windy conditions are expected today with a wind switch to strong northerly winds gusting at 30-40km/h and a high of 24 degrees. The winds will continue into the evening. The northerly winds will ease somewhat toward midnight, but still remain quite gusty throughout the night,” advised Wildland crews.
Tomorrow, weather conditions are expected to become milder by the afternoon.
