NWT Fire reported this afternoon that FS014 has expanded by 2 km at the last estimate, within 13 km northwest of Jean Marie River First Nation. The fire remains within about 100 to 200 metres east of Hwy 1 at km 454 at the last estimate.
Dehcho Region
Yesterday, Wildland crews said air support was focused on the south end of the fire (closest to Jean Marie River) as there was a chance winds could cause growth to the south and east.
The community of Jean Maire River remains on an Evacuation Alert.
“The fire saw significant activity yesterday, driven by very dry conditions. It advanced approximately 2 km closer to Jean Marie River. However, the community is not at threat at this time,” said NWT Fire today.
Officials assured that the wildfire is currently not a threat to Fort Simpson or the Fort Simpson airport at this time. The fire remains 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.
“Aircraft and wildfire crews will work to reduce opportunities for growth towards Jean Marie River,” said officials.
Wildfire crews and aircraft have continued to hold the fire to the east of Hwy 1 to halt expansion towards the Liard River.
Crews reported that remote values, including cabins, will be protected using sprinklers as required.
The weather conditions are assisting the response of Wildfire crews.
“It is raining in Fort Simpson and Jean Marie River. This rain is expected to continue throughout the day. This will greatly reduce fire behaviour potential for the following 72 hours,” said NWT Fire.
Officials are anticipating that the weather over the coming days will not support further growth towards the community.
NWT Fire reported that the rain forecasted for the Dehcho and areas of the South Slave and North Slave regions will hit “priority” points.
“This will go a long way in moving active fires to a better place and helping take care of remaining trouble areas,” said officials.
Wildland officials said that Fort Simpson and Hay River, saw about 10 per cent of what it normally receives each year in precipitation between August to mid mid-September.
“This is in part what led to the extreme late season activity, alongside major wind events and continuing dry, hot conditions – far beyond what we would expect to see this time of year.”
They said that midweek, weather conditions could potentially increase fire activity with a warmer, drier day expected on Sept. 17.
NWT Fire advised that crews and aircrafts will be out working nearby Hwy 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.
Crews are advising travellers to check DriveNWT.ca for the latest updates on road conditions.
South Slave Region
In Fort Providence, NWT Fire crews reported a “highly active” fire day yesterday when levels of moisture fell “significantly.”
“Airtankers and helicopters were active in the area to support continued work by firefighters and heavy equipment to secure remaining priority areas of fireline,” said firefighters.
Officials reported today that the fire expanded east of Hwy 3 but remains about 900 metres from Fort Providence, according to the last assessment.
“Significant growth to the east of Highway 3 was seen as fire breached existing containment lines. Work continues to tackle these excursions – none of which are a threat to Fort Providence,” said NWT Fire.
Crews are activating a response to tackle the fire’s edge.
Firefighters continue to blackline – extinguish all fuel at the fire’s edge – to the west of the community to secure fire line over the long-term.
Firefighters carried on with work running pumps and mopping up hotspots.
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.
North Slave Region
Wildland crews said that fire ZF015 continued to be most visible between KM 140 and KM 160 on Hwy 3.
Officials advised that travellers may see fire activity along the highway as crewswork to protect cabins and other values on the landscape.
Crews are advising travellers to check DriveNWT.ca for the latest updates on road conditions.
