This afternoon, Fire officials reported that they have received numerous reports of new wildfires along Hwy 3 between Fort Providence and Behchokǫ̀. This evening, Fire crews reported that they are responding to an additional 18 new wildfires today, following 14 new fires that broke out yesterday.
“18 new fires in the NWT since last update as of publishing – all lightning caused,” cautioned officials on Monday.
Officials assured that the wildfires do not pose risks to communities at this time.
North Slave Region
Earlier in the day, Fire officials cautioned that smoke was visible along area highways, including Highway 3 and Highway 9, due to the fires.
“We are receiving many calls regarding new wildfires along Highway 3 – roughly between KM 160 and 185. We are aware of these fires and they are being assessed for action,” said NWT this afternoon.
Fire crews said the new wildfires were caused by lightning.
On Sunday, officials had cautioned that extreme fire weather conditions and continuing lightning were expected across the territories.
In the North Slave region, five new wildfires broke out as of 5 p.m. today, including three new fires (ZF014, ZF015 and ZF016) near Hwy 3.
“This string of lightning-caused fires are visible to the east and west between KM160 and KM185 on Highway 3. They are currently being assessed for their threat to highway access. There are no threats to cabins or communities as a result of these wildfires,” said NWT Fire.
Officials cautioned that smoke may be visible from Highway 3. NWT Fire cautioned the public to check Drive NWT for the latest on road conditions
Another new wildfire located about 71 km south of Whati is visible to travellers along Highways 3 and 9.
“It is currently posing no threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure and will be monitored,” assured officials.
Fire crews are also responding to a new wildfire (ZF011) located about 42 km southeast of Ingraham Trail and 4 km east of Watta Lake. Crews are addressing potential threats to lodges, cabins, and other values in the area.
“There are no immediate threats to communities, cabins, lodges, or infrastructure,” said NWT Fire.
Anyone who would like more details about fires in the North Slave region can head to NWT’s Fire info pages
https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/services/wildfire-update/en/firedata/regional-stats/related/1
Beaufort Delta Region
Officials also reported important updates about the seven fires in the Beaufort Delta region, which broke out yesterday.
“All new fires from yesterday which were actioned have held through today thanks to aggressive air attack and great work from wildfire crews,” said NWT Fire.
Anyone who would like to review the full regional update can head to NWT’s fire info webpages.
https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/services/wildfire-update/en/firedata/regional-stats/related/5
In the Beaufort Delta region, there were six new wildfires reported as of Monday at 5 pm, including one fire (labelled EV019-25 by officials) about 22 km southwest of Fort McPherson, which is about 30 hectares in size and is considered out of control.
“Airtankers are making drops on the fire and crews will follow-up to control the perimeter and prevent future growth towards values and the Dempster Highway. Smoke may be visible to travellers on the Dempster Highway,” said NWT Fire this evening.
Another new area wildfire (EV014-25) is located about 40 km north of Inuvik.
“Successful air attack was followed up by action from wildfire crews today and, to this update, the fire has held. There are no current threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure,” said NWT Fire.
A new fire (EV016-25) is located about 33km east of Inuvik, is approximately 2 hectares in size and is classified as out of control.
“An initial attack crew with air support are working to contain the fire and prevent its growth towards values in the area. There are no threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure at this time,” said Fire officials.
A wildfire (EV017-25) broke out approximately 37 km east of Inuvik, is less than one hectare in size and is considered out of control. Fire crews mobilized an initial attack with air support and are working to contain the fire and prevent its growth towards values in the area. Fire officials warned that smoke may be visible to travellers on the Dempster Highway.
There are no threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure at this time, assured NWT Fire.
Another new wildfire, this one located 37 km north of Inuvik, is less than one hectare in size and ais considered out of control
Fire crews responded with an initial attack using air support and are working to contain the fire and prevent its growth towards the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway. Officials assured that there are no threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure at this time.
About 15km southwest of Fort McPherson, another wildfire broke out (EV021-25) is approximately 15 km southwest of Fort McPherson and about 5 km west of the Dempster Highway. The wildfire is about one hectare in size.
“Fire crews responded with an initial attack and are working to contain the fire with air support. Officials reported that there are no immediate threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure,” said NWT Fire.
There are no threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure at this time, said Fire officials.
Fire crews cautioned that smoke may be visible to travellers.
Officials advised anyone who would like to learn more about where the smoke in their area is coming from to go to www.firesmoke.ca
Anyone who would like more information about the fire can head to NWT’s regional Fire info pages.
https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/services/wildfire-update/en/firedata/regional-stats/related/4
Dehcho Region
In the Dehcho region, officials report a string of new wildfires burning close to the Liard Complex (FS002, FS006 and FS009).
NWT Fire said that an “aggressive” air attack continues on fire (FS009) to cut its southern and western expansion and reduce fire intensity and allow crews to complete the fire response work.
“Sprinkler protection continues across all fires in the complex,” said NWT Fire.
Anyone who would like more information about this fire can go to NWT Fire’s page on Fort Liard.
https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/services/wildfire-update/en/fire/liard-complex-fs009-fs006-fs002
Another fire (FS014) about 23 km southeast of Fort Simpson and 24 km northwest of Jean-Marie River has seen upgrades due to weather conditions.
“Significant rain on this fire since yesterday provides an opening for crews and aircraft to access the fire and get good work done. Crews are working to establish helipads for access and will be working to contain the perimeter. An Incident Management Team has been assigned,” they said.
Just northeast of Wrigley, a wildfire that broke out yesterday (FS007) has been upgraded.
“With hard-fought efforts over the last couple weeks and some help from rain bringing down danger in the community, this fire is now Being Held – meaning we don’t expect it to grow with firefighting efforts in place, and expected weather. Crews will continue to assess to ensure it is under control prior to packing up structure protection in the community,” said NWT Fire.
Anyone who would like more information about fires in the Dehcho can head to NWT’s Fire info webpages.
https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/services/wildfire-update/en/firedata/regional-stats/related/4
Sahtu Region
In the Sahtu region, a wildfire (VQ007-25) located 9 km southwest of Fort Good Hope and 5km south of the Mackenzie River has been upgraded to a status of under control after quick action from aircraft and wildfire crews.
Anyone who would like more information about fires in the Dehcho can head to NWT’s Fire info webpages.
https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/services/wildfire-update/en/firedata/regional-stats/2
NWT Fire is asking anyone who sees any signs of wildfire to reach out and report it immediately.
“It is essential that if you see smoke, or what you believe to be a wildfire you call 1-877-698-3473 (877-NWTFIRE) right away before they grow. The quicker we find out the quicker we can action a fire,” urged officials.
