This afternoon, NWT Fire cautioned travellers in the area of Hwy 3 and the Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road of smoke impacting visibility due to a string of wildfires that broke out yesterday.
“Wildfires ZF015 and Z016, between KM176 and 166, may impact visibility on Highway 3 due to smoke this afternoon, and may approach the Highway within the next 24 hours,” said officials.
NWT Fire said they will reassess the wildfires as they mobilize responses to new lightning-caused fires.
“Our team is actioning high priority fires in the North Slave closer to communities and other values and will reassess response to these wildfires as we continue to address the numerous new lightning starts,” said officials.
NWT Fire cautioned of visibility along the Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road and Hwy 3. Fire crews reported that one wildfire (ZF017-25) is located about 20km west of the Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road and “appears closer” than it may be to travellers.
“Smoke may impact visibility due to this fire, as well as other fires further south,” said officials.
Officials have been assessing the string of wildfires that broke out yesterday along Hwy 3.
Fire crews said the fire is “not likely” to reach the Highway within the next 24 hours. NWT Fire assured that the wildfire is not threatening cabins, communities or infrastructure.
Officials are urging the public to avoid reporting the fires along Hwy 3 and the Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road.
“Please avoid calling in these fires – we are aware of them, and our operations team is getting overwhelmed by call volume. Reach a wildfire information officer instead and help keep our team focused on managing these wildfires,” said Fire crews.
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.
For more information about fire danger and to access the live fire map along with detailed updates, head to www.nwtfire.com or for the latest wildfire information, NWT asks the public to call 1-867-445-5484
