NWT Fire is installing structure protections around Tthets’éhk’edélî (Jean Marie First Nation) as part of multi-front work on a fire that remains about 14 km from the community as of this morning.
“Over the weekend, we saw some really strong northerly winds and that caused the fire to breach our containment lines that developed on the southeast flank of the fire causing some significant growth,” said Mike Westwick, a wildfire information officer with NWT Fire.
Westwick told True North FM this morning that the active front to the fire remains about 14 km northwest of Jean Marie River First Nation.
“As a precaution, there’s been an Evacuation Alert, issued so that folks are ready to go, if the situation changes,” explained Westiwick
“We didn’t see the fire advance much closer to the community and today we’ve got a shift to more easterly winds, which should cause the fire to grow to the west rather than the south towards the community,” added Westwick.
NWT Fire’s action from the air was able to hold the fire by dropping fire retardant to connect in with fuel-free features to the to the south of the fire front.
“That’s a positive development as well as tomorrow, we’re expecting winds to shift to the south, which would push the fire northward away from the community of Jean Marie River First Nation, but of course we need to to make sure we’re looking ahead and getting ahead of things,” said Westwick.
NWT Fire is applying multi-front work on the fire including putting up protections around the community.
“We’re mobilising structure protection resources to the community, to get that community set up once again with with sprinklers in the case that fire does move towards the community and in the meantime we’re regrouping and working to get crews on that fire in the bush to keep it small,” said Westwick.
With Jean Marie River First Nation on an Evacuation Alert, Westwick advises community members to keep vehicles full of fuel and have any important belongings prepared and packed to go.
“Make sure you have your go bags packed up, with important things like prescriptions, important documents, things like insurance and anything personally, precious to you, important memories and keepsakes and the like those are all good things to have packed up and ready to go in a moment’s notice in the case that you do have to leave,” said Westwick.
Westwick emphasized that community members should keep updated with the latest information about the fire by check the community’s social media pages and visiting NWTFire.com’s facebook and website.
“We’re obviously communicating very closely with the First Nation and they’re providing updates to their membership as they relate to public safety concerns,” said Westwick.
Jean Marie River First Nation officials urged the community to keep informed and prepared in case conditions change.
“This EVACUATION ALERT is a notification of the POTENTIAL danger which might arise due to a WILDFIRE FS14 in the area and the possibility of having to evacuate on short notice,” said community officials.
An alert may be followed by an Evacuation Order with specific information on the condition, when to evacuate and directions.
“Information on the evacuation location and travel information will be provided if an evacuation order is issued,” said community officials.
Community officials advised Jean Marie River community members to keep a full tank of gas in their vehicle at all times and to prepare personal belongings to be ready to leave on short notice, in case there is a need to evacuate.
Officials advised community members to check the community Facebook Page, to listen to the radio station 101.9 and to check community information boards for updates.
Updates are also available on GNWT’s Alert pages webpage and the GNWT Fire Map.
NWT Fire reported that fire growth was seen on the east and west of the “active finger” of fire.
Officials said that the proximity of the fire to the community remains a concern but that threats of encroachment over the next 48 hours have decreased due to a shift to easterly winds today, and expected southerly winds tomorrow.
“Today, winds are coming from the east to southeast. This may cause growth to the west – expanding the size of the fire front, but not likely to push fire closer to the community of Jean Marie River. Winds comparatively light – 5 gusting 10-15km/h. Conditions drying out quickly – with lower levels of moisture in the air leading to potential for increased fire activity,” said NWT Fire today.
A shift to more southerly winds is expected for tomorrow.
“This would not be expected to push the fire closer to Jean Marie River – however, with hot and dry conditions, we do expect to see significant fire activity with pockets of forest fuels likely to burn off north of the current fire front. This could offer more opportunity to get boots on the ground to secure the south flank which is causing the most concern for Jean Marie River,” said officials.
Crews pointed out that multi-year drought in the area has created a lot of fuel for the blaze, creating deep burning, and major wildfire suppression challenges.
Westwick reported that airtankers are making drops with fire retardant to connect natural, fuel-free barriers to fire spread and create a barrier to potential spread towards Jean Marie River.
“Helicopters are making bucket drops to hit hotspots and reduce fire intensity. Wildfire crews are attacking the southern flank as they are safely able,” said NWT Fire today.
Officials said a structure protection team, structure protection trailer, and structural firefighters from Fort Smith and Fort Simpson are at work around the community of Jean Marie River to setup sprinklers.
Westwick cautioned that temperatures are expected to “sharply increase” especially in the North Slave, South Slave and Dehcho regions and generally throughout the territories this week.
NORTH SLAVE REGION
Westwick also reported that the wildfire located about 3 km west of Hwy 3 (ZF015-25) which had grown from 23,116 hectares in size to 31,046 hectares last week, did receive some rain overnight. The rain was not substantial but may reduce fire activity in the short-term, said Westwick.
“Firefighters out there working to protect cabins on that highway. That work’s going to continue but people should expect to see an increase in fire activity on any active fires that are already on the landscape and there is also the potential for for lightning, leading to new starts as this week goes on,” said Westwick.
Officials advised that it is likely significant activity on this wildfire will occur throughout this week as weather conditions heat up.
“Crews continue work to maintain structure protection on cabins in the area. Smoke and visibility challenges are likely for travellers – drive with caution, follow directions from any staff in the area, and be aware that wildfire crews and water tenders are working to protect cabins along the highway – so be especially careful and considerate to keep our people safe,” said NWT Fire today.
Officials advise travellers to check conditions on roadways using DriveNWT.ca
The wildfire near Campbell Lake and east of Hearne Lake and Watta Lake Lodge (F024-25) is expected to see increased fire activity this week as the weather heats up, said firefighters.
“Lodges at Hearne and Watta Lake are not at threat due to this wildfire. Crews continue to maintain sprinklers in the area proactively and are looking for any additional hotspots nearby structures to avoid flare-ups. Additional lodges and values on the land are being assessed and protected with sprinklers as required to prepare for the long-term management of this wildfire,” said NWT Fire.
SOUTH SLAVE REGION
A fire located about 27 km northwest of Fort Providence (SS014-25) continues to see an active response by firefighters.
“Crews continue work on the northwest flank to prevent growth towards cabins in the area. The community of Fort Providence is not at threat – there are swamps and other barriers to fire spread to the south. There are no threats to communities or infrastructure due to this wildfire at this time,” said NWT Fire.
BEAUFORT DELTA REGION and The SAHTU
Officials reported that there are no fires of concern in the Beaufort Delta region or the Sahtu region, a testament to the brave work of firefighters despite the many challenging conditions they have faced in the last few weeks alone.
NWT Fire reported last week that crews are also heading to the Yukon to assist with fire activity there.
NWT Fire ask anyone who would like more information to head to www.nwtfire.com or reach a Wildfire Information Officer at 867-445-5484 for updated information on the wildfire situation.
Officials urged residents to be mindful of campfires and bans in place.
“Please stay vigilant, watch your campfires, never leave them unattended, and use the SOAK-STIR-SOAK method to ensure the fire is completely extinguished,” said NWT Fire
Fort Simpson is among the communities with a full fire ban is in place. Hay River is among the communities with a partial fire ban in place.
 as part of multi-front work on a fire that that remains about 14 km from the community as of this morning.){kind=link}