Environment and Climate Change Canada have issued a storm warning for much of the Dehcho. “Winds are expected in gusts of 70-90 km per hour along with a chance of rain and a small chance of hail,” said officials. Crews continue to face challenging fire weather across the territories, with two new starts reported since yesterday and 89 out of control fires burning in the N.W.T.
An Evacuation Alert remains in effect for Tthets’éhk’edélî (Jean Marie River First Nation). The community is also experiencing smokey conditions today.
Crews persist to mobilize multi-front work on increased fire activity due to heat, especially in southern regions of the territories, including the Dehcho.
DEHCHO
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a storm warning for much of the Dehcho for this afternoon and evening with winds expected in gusts of 70-90 km per hour along with a chance of rain and a small chance of hail.
The wildfires of the Fort Liard complex continue to be closely monitored by crews.
The wildfire (FS014-25) is currently located about 12.5 km northwest of Jean Marie River and about 22 km southeast of Fort Simpson.
“Helicopters and air tankers did good work on the south end of this fire yesterday, limiting the growth towards Jean Marie River. Winds today have come from the southeast, which should limit growth today. Extremely smoky conditions have prevented aircraft from flying today. Structure protection is up and ready in Jean Marie River should it be necessary. There has been no change to the threat assessment to Jean Marie River at the time of this post,” said NWT Fire today.
Fort Simpson is not considered at threat by this fire.
For the fire FS009, east of Fort Liard, structure protections remain in place.
“Structure protection (is) being maintained at Bovie Lake to protect cabins in the area and has been set up on critical infrastructure to proactively help in the management of this fire. This fire continues to show very little activity. There remains no threat to communities or infrastructure due to these wildfires at this time,” said NWT Fire today.
With Jean Marie River First Nation on an Evacuation Alert, officials advised community members to keep vehicles full of fuel and have any important belongings prepared and packed to go.
Jean Marie River First Nation officials urged the community to keep informed and prepared in case conditions change.
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 assured that the village of Fort Simpson is not currently at threat due to the wildfire.
NORTH SLAVE REGION
The wildfire located about 3 km west of Hwy 3 (ZF015-25) showed increased activity this week and is s expected to show increased activity over this weekend, said NWT Fire today.
Officials reported that the fire is most visible between KM 150-190 on Highway 3.
“Crews continue work to maintain structure protection on nearby cabins and are mopping up the area.
Smoke and visibility challenges are likely for travellers – drive with caution. ECC is working with the Department of Infrastructure to ensure the highway remains safe to operate on and that crews can work safely,” said NWT Fire.
Officials advise travellers to check conditions on roadways using DriveNWT.ca
Crews reported that the wildfire near Campbell Lake and east of Hearne Lake and Watta Lake Lodge (F024-25) is expected to see continued increased fire activity over this weekend as the weather continues to warm.
“Ongoing monitoring of this fire has determined that the area is currently low risk. Crews continue to maintain sprinklers in the area proactively and are working on spot fires within the perimeter. A containment line has been established on the south side of Buckham Lake and will also be monitored for fire activity. 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. Crews will be checking on the north side of Buckham Lake today,” said NWT Fire.
A lightning-caused fire (ZF039-25) located about 2.5 km east of Rae Lake’s north end is about 500 hectares in size.
“After reviewing indirect attack options, it was determined that a planned ignition operation would be helpful in establishing a control line between this fire and Gamètì. Residents of Gamètì should expect to see crews and aircraft around town and the golf course, please give them space to complete this work. The fire is currently burning to the northwest with southeasterly winds. Smoke will be visible, but the air should be clear in the community. This fire is currently burning towards a lake, which is providing a barrier to Gamètì,” said NWT Fire.
Crews are in Gamètì working towards a planned ignition.
“Aircraft and personnel will be seen around town and the golf course; please give them space to complete their work. The purpose of the planned ignition is to establish a break between the fire (ZF039) and the community, this is a pro-active tactic, and residents should not be alarmed. Smoke will be visible, but the air should be clear in the community,” said NWT Fire today.
Officials advised the fire is currently being pushed to the northwest, away from the community, due to southeasterly winds.
“This is allowing crews to get good protective work done,” said NWT Fire.
Another lightning caused fire (ZF040-25) is located east of Rae Lake.
“This lightning started fire is 1 hectare in size. It is being monitored and are not considered a threat to communities, infrastructure, or cabins in the area,” said NWT Fire.
SOUTH SLAVE
The fire (SS014-25) located about 27 km northwest of Fort Providence is showing more signs of fire activity.
“This fire took a run toward the northwest, but crews are ensuring sprinklers are up around nearby structures and are mopping up the area,” said officials today.
Crews are setting up protections on site.
“Under rapidly increasing fire activity, crews have pulled back and are running sprinklers at nearby values to the northwest of the fire to protect them. There is a large smoke column visible in Fort Providence and to travellers on Highway 3. However, the winds are pushing the fire away from the community. The smoke column looks much closer than it is – the fire remains about 27 km northwest of Fort Providence. 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 due to the wildfire at this time,” said NWT Fire today.
The SAHTU and BEAUFORT DELTA
NWT Fire reported today that currently there are no fires of concern in these regions.
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.
Fort Simpson is among the communities with a full fire ban in place. Hay River is among the communities with a partial fire ban in place.
Crews caution not to leave campfires unattended, especially in current fire weather conditions, which could quickly become a wildfire.
Firefighters are advising to keep close eye on fires and observe golden rule of “Soak, Stir, Soak,” – “If you can’t hold your hand over it, it’s not out,” said NWT Fire.
