Eight wildfires are currently active in the territories, with three fires considered “out of control” said Fire officials. While NWT Fire reported that they were able to successfully extinguish one fire in the Fort Smith area, other fires remain active in the area.
Fort Smith Protective Services said there is no immediate risk, but cautioned area residents to keep alert in case the situation changes.
A fire weather warning remains in place for much of the N.W.T. region. Fire bans for Hay River, Fort Smith, Métis Cabins and Campground at Thebacha remain in place. Hot, dry conditions with gusty winds are creating conditions that contribute to the risk of wildfire start and spread.
NWT Fire reported that there are five active wildfires in the Dehcho region at this time and one fire is considered “out of control.”
A 200-hectare fire is located about 74 km east of Fort Liard. NWT Fire report that this is a lightning-caused fire and crews are continuing to monitor the fire. Officials report that the fire currently poses no threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure.
Another fire, located about 30 km southwest of Sambaa k’e, is also a lightning-caused fire. Crew report it has expanded to 2,800 hectares and 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.
A 250-hectare lightning-caused fire, located about 14 km north of the B.C. border, is being monitored.
“Crews continue to limit the fire’s growth. There is no risk to cabins, infrastructure or communities,” said officials.
Fire crews are responding to another wildfire, about one hectare in size, located about 13 k.m. north of the BC Border.
“Crews made significant progress in bringing this fire under control and are mopping up before calling it out,” said NWT Fire.
A one-hectare fire that was located about 27 km southwest of Fort Simpson and 8 km northwest of Antoine Lake has been successfully extinguished by fire crews.
“This lightning-caused fire was approx. 1 hectare in size and has been declared out. Aircraft and crews successfully launched their initial attack, bringing the fire under control and extinguishing it within 24 hours,” said NWT Fire.
In the South Slave region, there are currently three active fires.
A fire estimated to be about 11,358 hectares in size is located about 13 km west of Highway 1. The fire is not posing any threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure at this time, said officials.
“Crews will continue to monitor the fire and deploy structure protection as required,” said NWT Fire.
Officials warn that anyone travelling along Highway 1 may see smoke in the area from this fire.
Fire crews are also responding to a fire that is about 6,545 hectares in size, located near Schaefer Lake and Tulip Lake, about 28 km east of Fort Smith.
“This fire originates in Alberta and covers an area of. Both Alberta and NWT fire crews have begun collaborating under a unified command, known as Tulip Lake, and are currently gathering additional resources to share and manage the fire, as well as deploy structural protection on both sides of the border, as the fire continues to show increased activity,” said officials.
NWT Fire reports that another fire, located about 24 km northwest of Fort Smith, along the Slave River, remains about 325 hectares in size.
“Crews continue to make progress against the fire and set up sprinklers on cabins and structures as needed,” said officials.
Fort Smith Protective Services and the Town of Fort Smith issued a general reminder to residents, cautioning to be prepared in case the situation changes unexpectedly.
“While there is no immediate risk, we encourage all residents to review their evacuation plans as a precaution. Know your exits, keep essential documents and supplies accessible, and stay informed through official Town and government updates,” they said.
Officials said updates can be found on a variety of platforms, including Facebook, the Fort Smith website and Alertable.
In the North Slave region, there is one fire burning and officials said it is considered to be “out of control.” The fire is located about 2.5 km south of Jennejohn Lake, 15 km south of Highway 4 and 28 km east of Dettah.
“This new, lightning-caused fire was rapidly attacked by aircraft and crews to limit its growth. At the last assessment, the fire was 11 hectares in size. They will continue to take action on this fire to bring it under control. There is no threat to values, infrastructure or communities at this time,” said NWT Fire.
NWT Fire encourages anyone who would like detailed live fire updates to access their live fire map at www.nwtfire.com.
