GNWT’s Environment and Natural Resources announced that wildfire season is underway in N.W.T. and fire danger is expected within the next two days in southern parts of the territory. Fire danger is expected in Fort Liard and the surrounding regions, including Nahanni Butte. Areas of South Slave and Dehcho are at risk of moderate fire danger.
Mike Westwick, a Wildfire Information Officer with GNWT, said that although there are currently no active wildfires in the region, within the next one or two days that could change.
Fire danger activity is expected south of the territory in Fort Liard and surrounding areas, including Nahanni Butte.
“Though there are no active wildfires in the NWT, in the next 24-48 hours, we expect to see fire danger moving to high in parts of the south of the territory — especially in Fort Liard and the surrounding region including Nahanni Butte,” said Westwick.
The areas of South Slave and Dehcho are at risk of moderate fire danger, but high winds mean that even low-risk fire danger can be problematic, Westwick warned.
“Most of South Slave and Dehcho are expected to reach moderate fire danger as temperatures rise and we continue to dry out. In all areas in the south of the territory, we expect some periods of high winds – which can be problematic even at low or moderate levels of fire danger. That means for the south of the territory, conditions are here to support new starts and fast growth.”
Westwick said that in May, it’s usually person-caused fires that pose the biggest risk, but there are things people can do to keep safe:
- Know the fire danger in your area – https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/services/wildfire-update/en/firedata – the NWT Wildfire Update Map to get information about fire danger near you.
- If the danger is high or extreme – avoid having fires unless it’s necessary for food or warmth. If it’s really windy, it’s best to avoid them at any fire danger.
- Take steps to prevent wildfires, and use your voice to encourage your friends to do the same.
Anyone who would like more safety tips can visit NWT’s Environment and Climate Change’s wildfire prevention and safety page
Westwick assured that wildfire updates will be issued as-needed until fire activity picks up. When fire activity increases, daily updates will resume.
Anyone who would like the latest wildfire information and fire danger forecasts for their region can visit NWT’s Environment and Climate Change’s wildfire update page online or on Facebook:
Fire information officers are also available Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., until fire activity picks up. They can be reached at 867-445-5484
