Wildland crews are warning of widespread smoke in the North Slave, South Slave and Dehcho regions. Widespread smoke conditions are forecasted for much of the day. NWT Fire advised that “elevated” burning conditions could potentially cause FS014 to expand closer to Jean Marie River First Nation.
Crews said that “elevated activity” on areas of fires ZF015 – along Hwy 3 between Behchokǫ̀ and Fort Providence, ZF048, SS014 near Fort Providence, FS014 northwest of Jean Marie River, and SS013 near Pine Point are causing severe smoke conditions.
“These conditions are expected to continue through most of the day – driven by continuing hot, dry conditions which are causing more fuel to be burned off,” said NWT Fire.
Officials assured that the wildfire activity does not pose any no new threats to communities.
Hwy 6 is seeing particularly smokey conditions.
“Of note, smoke may be highly visible from Highway 6 to travellers – this is unburnt fuel within the perimeter of SS013 burning off under these conditions. It is of no threat to highway access or to values in the area,” said crews.
Rain forecast for tomorrow may help relieve conditions.
“Be aware of wildfire smoke impacts to health – stay inside if you can, avoid heavy physical activity, use recirculating air conditioning if you’re travelling by car, and keep windows closed at home (and use air purifiers if you have them),” said NWT Fire.
Dehcho Region
NWT Fire advised that “elevated” burning conditions could potentially cause FS014 to expand closer to Jean Marie River First Nation.
“Winds have switched to northwesterly today, expected to stay light, between 5-10km/h gusting up to 15-20km/h. Heavy smoke across the fire area today, expected to intensify towards Jean Marie River throughout the day. This may keep humidity up on parts of the fire; however, relative humidity (the level of moisture in the air) is forecast to reach as low as 35 per cent. These are elevated burning conditions which could lead to growth to the south and east – closer to Jean Marie River,” said crews.
A shift to much cooler weather is forecasted for tomorrow with a high possibility of some rain. If the weather follows the forecast, this will relieve fire actiivey and provide an opening for firefighters.
Officials said at their last assessment, the fire remained about 15 km northwest of Jean Marie River at its closest active point, 3.5 km southeast of the Fort Simpson Ferry Landing and about 5 km south of Fort Simpson Airport on the opposite side of the Liard River.
Wildland crews said air support is focused on the south end of the fire (closest to Jean Marie River) today as winds may cause growth to the south and east.
The community of Jean Maire River remains on an Evacuation Alert.
The fire continues to be held east of Hwy 1.
Officials assured the wildfire is not assessed to be a threat to Fort Simpson or the Fort Simpson airport at this time, due to the Liard River which offers a natural barrier to fire growth.
Wildland crews reported again today that the fire had not reached Hwy 1, remaining about 100 to 200 metres from the highway at km 454.
NWT Fire advised that crews and aircrafts will be out working nearby Highway 1 close to the Fort Simpson Ferry Landing. Officials are advising travellers to slow down and be aware while driving as crews may be crossing the highway. Wildland crews are asking the public not to stop and watch, and to give crews space to keep safe.Officials advised that flying drones of any size is illegal and could endanger crews working in helicopters and airtankers.
South Slave Region
In Fort Providence, firefighters focused efforts on hotspots of SS014 at the east and west ends of the community
“With drier conditions have come increasing smoke as unburned fuel within the fire perimeter closest to Fort Providence burns off. Firefighting efforts continue – with hotspots being tackled to the east and west of the community, though the community remains secure,” said NWT Fire today.
Crews are using heavy equipment to contain the fire line west of Highway 3 and halt spread to the south and east.
Aircraft crews are out, responding to the fire to cool down areas the Wildland team is focusing on.
Firefighters carried on with work running pumps and mopping up hotspots.
Yesterday, officials said that “key” threats to Fort Providence have been removed, but the active wildfire remains about 900 meters north of the community. Due to the wildfire that remains active, the community of Fort Providence has been de-escalated to an Evacuation Alert since the Evacuation Order was lifted on Thursday.
Wildland crews installed protections in at-risk areas of the community.
North Slave Region
NWT Fire reported that fire ZF015 continued to be most visible between KM 140 and KM 160 on Highway 3.
“Travellers may see fire activity along the highway. Crews continue to work to protect cabins and other values on the landscape,” said officials.
Crews are advising travellers to check DriveNWT.ca for the latest updates on road conditions.
