No new fires reported in the N.W.T. and no person-caused fires over the weekend, but officials urge the public to be cautious as weather conditions pose increased wildfire risks.
“Warmer weather along with the possibility of dry lightning is expected to continue across most of the NWT in the coming days, ” said NWT Fire today in a message warning the public of fire weather.
Officials assured that wildfires in the NWT do not pose any danger to the public or to structures at this time.
The Tulip Lake wildfire in the South Slave region near the Alta. border is holding at about 14,167 hectares in size.
The fire began on May 30, located about 5 km northeast of Fort Fitzgerald and 28 km east of Fort Smith. The wildfire is currently considered out of control. NWT firefighting crew are working in collaboration with First Nations, Wood Buffalo Fire and Atla. Fire.
Officials said the wildfire poses no risks to the community at this time.
Fire and containment is now over 50 per cent.
“Progress on the western side of the fire has increased containment to 55 per cent on the Tulip Lake Fire,” reported NWT Fire today.
With containment on the western side of the wildfire increased, fire response has shifted focus to the eastern areas.
Fire crews are co-ordinating a focus on the east side of the fire, working to control the fire perimeter and keep it contained.
“Firefighters continue to work mopping up the perimeter and monitoring for smoke and heat adjacent to the fire’s edge, extinguishing heat and flames within 30 meters of the perimeter,” NWT Fire reported.
Officials said a backhaul is underway of firefighting equipment from the line and for redeployment to other areas to respond to the wildfire.
Officials also reported that crews were using helicopters along with ground resources with water drops and providing information on fire behaviour.
Earlier this week 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.
Fishing and recreating along the Slave River is still allowed alongside the high-volume sprinkler systems.
“Residents are asked not to interfere with the equipment located in the river and shoreline,” warned officials.
They said that while the systems are being tested or in use, conditions will be put in place to ensure public safety.
The dock at the boat launch is accessible for public use when high-pressure testing is not in operation, said officials.
A Wildfire Information Bulletin is available daily as this fire operation progresses. NWT asks anyone who would like more details to head to the webpage: https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/services/wildfire-update/en/fire/tulip-lake-fire
On Friday, Wood Buffalo Fire cautioned that fire danger level for Wood Buffalo National Park was very high. Officials reminded the public that a recreational fire ban remains in place for the park.
Other area parks, including Blackstone Territorial Park and Sambaa Deh Falls Territorial Park have fire bans in place.
NWT Fire cautioned the public to pay close attention to fire danger weather alerts and to avoid campfires if fire danger is high or extreme. They also urged the public to follow any fire bans in place.
In the South Slave region, another wildfire located about 13km west of Highway 1 in the Cameron Hills is monitored by Fire officials.
“This fire is burning near an area that burned in 2024, limiting its possibility for growth towards the highway. Crews will continue to monitor and deploy structure protection as required,” said fire crews.
This wildfire is 11,358 hectares in size and is considered out of control.
Officials cautioned that smoke may be visible on Highway 1 and urged the public to keep up-to-date on highway conditions at www.driventw.ca.
The Dehcho region saw smoke activity yesterday and today.
“Winds yesterday blew smoke from fires into the Dehcho. There are currently no threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure. Crews may be seen proactively setting up sprinklers,” said NWT Fire.
Anyone who would like more information about air quality can head to air quality https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/environmental-health/air-quality-health-index
A smoke forecast map is available at www.firesmoke.ca
For more information about fire danger and to access the live fire map along with detailed updates, head to www.nwtfire.com.
