NWT Fire responded to five abandoned campfires over the long weekend and are asking the public for information.
“Between Sunday and Monday, fire crews discovered four campfires that had to be put out. In Fort Smith, three fires were left smouldering in pits at Queen Elizabeth Territorial Park, while crews discovered an abandoned campfire on the beach in Norman Wells on Sunday afternoon,” officials reported on social media at the close of the long weekend on Monday. Fire officials reported that another campfire was discovered on Saturday near the city of Yellowknife.
NWT Fire reported that fire crews not only found but also were able to successfully extinguish each of these wildfire risks.
Earlier over the weekend, NWT Fire issued a fire weather warning for the region.
“Much of the NWT is facing dry weather and strong winds over the next few days. Additionally, there may be lightning in the Dehcho. Any new fire starts could grow quickly and become challenging to fight,” they warned.
NWT Fire reminded residents to ensure that campfires are fully extinguished before leaving their campsite.
“That means: Soak, stir, soak, repeat – your fire is only considered completely out, once the air above the former fire is cool,” they said.
On Saturday, NWT Fire reported on social media that crews had found and attended to an abandoned fire near the Cameron Falls area outside of Yellowknife that had not been completely extinguished.
“With dry temperatures and high winds, the crew reported sparks flying from the fire, which could have easily caused it to grow out of control,” they warned.
Officials also appealed to the public for information about last week’s wildfire in Fort Smith, which started on Primrose Lane and Carl’s Drive. Officials suspect it was caused by an abandoned campfire. Anyone who has information is asked to contact 867-872-6426.
