Seven wildfires including one new wildfire, are currently active in N.W.T. Four fires are considered out of control but there is no danger to communities at this time said NWT Fire in their latest update today.
Fire weather warnings remain in place for much of the N.W.T., especially the Dehcho, South Slave and North Slave regions.
Officials also reported that unfortunately, two cabin structures were lost to wildfire over the weekend near Fort Smith. High winds in the areas of Fort Smith, Hay River, Enterprise, Kátł’odeeche First Nation and Fort Resolution also caused a power outage that lasted about one hour on Sunday.
In the Dehcho region, there are currently four active wildfires considered out of control, including a new wildfire.
NWT Fire said the new wildfire is a lightning-caused fire, located about 27 km southwest of Fort Simpson and 8 km northwest of Antoine Lake, is about one hectare in size and are considered out of control.
“Aircraft and crews have begun their initial attack to limit the fire’s growth. There is no risk to cabins, infrastructure or communities at this time,” said officials.
About 30 km southwest of Sambaa k’e a lightning-caused fire has grown to 500 hectares and fire crew report it is considered out of control.
“Crews are setting up sprinklers on cabins which may be threatened. There is no threat to the community of Sambaa k’e at this time,” said NWT Fire.
About 14 km north of the B.C. border, a lightning-caused fire that is about 15 hectares in size is also considered to be out of control.
“Crews are working to limit its growth and will complete structure protection on values in the area as needed,” said Fire crews.
About 13 km north of the B.C. border, another fire that is one hectare in size is also considered out of control.
“It is being acted on to limit its growth. Today, crews made significant progress in bringing this fire under control. Crews will continue to complete structure protection as needed,” said NWT Fire.
The South Slave region currently has three active wildfires. NWT said that wildfire smoke is visible near the town of Fort Smith.
“Large smoke plumes may be visible from Fort Smith from these wildfires and the fires burning in Alberta/WBNP. There are no threats to communities or infrastructure at this time,” said Fire officials.
A fire located near Schaefer Lake, about 28 km east of Fort Smith is seeing “an increase in activity” NWT said.
“This fire originates in Alberta and covers an area of 6,545 hectares. Both Alberta and NWT fire crews will be collaborating under a unified command and are currently gathering more resources to manage the fire and deploy structural protection as the fire is seeing an increase in activity,” said officials.
NWT Fire said that unfortunately some area structures could not be protected from the wildfire.
“Despite the best efforts by wildland firefighters, two structures were lost at separate locations due to extreme fire activity at SS009-25 (Schaefer Lake) on May 31. The first location had sprinklers set up, and it experienced a loss of one structure. The newer cabins on site survived. The second location saw complete structure loss. Crews were not able to set up structure protection due to poor visibility and increased fire activity in the area,” said officials.
About 24 km northwest of Fort Smith, along the Slave River, about halfway between the Fort Smith and Salt River, fire officials reported that one wildfire fire has grown to 325 hectares.
“Crews continue to attack the fire and set up sprinklers on cabins and values as needed,” said NWT Fire.
Another South Slave region fire is located about 13 km west of Highway 1 and is estimated to be 11,358 hectares in size.
“No threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure at this time. Crews will continue to monitor the fire and deploy structure protection as required,” said Fire crew.
NWT Fire is urging the public that a fire weather warning remains in place for much of N.W.T. Fire officials are encouraging residents to know the fire danger in their area and follow recommendations outlined by local protective services and other officials.
