The Tulilp Lake wildfire near the Atla. border remains about 14,000 hectares and crews caution that a fire weather warning remains in place.
“Several regions around the NWT have received some precipitation, varying from heavy rains to light showers, but that does not mean it’s time to get complacent. Warmer weather is expected to come later this week, meaning fires can pick up quickly. If it’s windy, pick a different day to have a fire,” said officials.
Fire crews are also making some headway to prevent the spread of a wildfire 11 hectares in size in the Dehcho region. Officials said this fire is considered out of control, but it does not pose a threat to the community or nearby structures at this time.
In the South Slave region, the Tulip wildfire remains about 14,167 hectares in size.
“Both Alberta and NWT fire crews are working under a unified command and are deploying crews and resources to limit the fire’s growth. Crews have been monitoring on both sides of the border and are putting up protections around nearby structures,” said officials.
NWT Fire said that there has been “no significant change” in the fire spread and the activity “remains low,” due to the overnight rains and cool temperatures. Fire officials reported that the wildfire remains 36 per cent contained at this time.
Crews from the Yukon and the US are expected to arrive this week to help with fire suppression efforts.
Crews said that progress has been made on containment lines, supported by air and ground support, focused on the northwest, west, and southwest sides of the fire to prevent the growth towards the communities.
“A consultation flight was conducted yesterday with Tthebatthı Dënesųłiné First Nation representatives to view the wildfire area and see the progress made to date,” said officials.
NWT Fire assured that this is a proactive, precautionary measure and that there is no risk to the community at this time.
A unified command team collaboration with Alberta Wildfire and includes representation from the Tthebatthı Dënesųłiné First Nation is responding to the wildfire.
NWT Fire reported that a US Incident Management Team, provided through the Northwest Compact agreement, is assisting with operations.
Officials urge the public to be mindful of fire dangers in their area and to avoid any campfires if fire danger is high or extreme. NWT Fire cautioned the public to follow local fire bans in their area
Yesterday, Fire officials reported that suppression operations included the use of airtankers, helicopters conducting water drops, ignition operations, and ground crews to prevent the growth of the fire towards the communities.
“Structure protection teams have placed sprinkler systems on all known buildings east of the Slave River on the Alberta side. Northwest Territories has completed structure protection on our side as well,” NWT Fire reported.
NWT Fire said that the testing of the high-volume sprinkler system was successful and over 10 km of sprinkler systems were installed.
These were installed as a precaution to protect Fort Fitzgerald, Border Town, Halfway, and Fort Smith.
