Officials warn that there is a possibility of a wind event beginning tomorrow afternoon, continuing through to Tuesday, which could increase the risk of fire.
Crews continue to face challenging fire weather across the territories. NWT Fire warns that Jean Marie River First Nation continues experiencing extremely smokey conditions as an Evacuation Alert remains in effect.
DEHCHO
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.
“Saturday’s assessment of the fire showed no meaningful movement by this fire. There has been no change to threat assessment to Jean Marie River at the time of this post,” said NWT Fire
Officials reported that helicopters and air tankers did good work on the south end of this fire on Friday, which helped prevent any expansion towards Jean Marie River
Crews said that winds today continued to come from the southeast, which should assist in preventing the fire’s growth. Firefighters also reported extremely smoky conditions again today which prevented aircraft crews from mobilizing today.
“Structure protection is up and ready in Jean Marie River should it be necessary,” said NWT Fire.
Fort Simpson is not considered at threat by this fire, said officials.
For the fire FS009, east of Fort Liard, structure protections remain at Bovie Lake to protect cabins in the area and on infrastructure.
“This fire continues to show very little activity,” said NWT Fire today.
Officials said that the fire does not pose a risk to communities or infrastructure at this time.
Jean Marie River First Nation remains on an Evacuation Alert and officials advised community members to keep a tank full of fuel in their vehicles and have any important belongings prepared and packed to go.
Jean Marie River First Nation 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 continued to show increased activity over this weekend, said NWT Fire today. The fire is most visible between KM 150-190 on Highway 3.
Today, crews carried on maintaining structure protection on nearby cabins and continued to mop 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
Officials said today that the wildfire near Campbell Lake and east of Hearne Lake and Watta Lake Lodge (F024-25) is expected to see increased fire activity over this weekend, but ongoing monitoring of the area has assessed it as currently being at 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 confirmed yesterday that the north side of Buckham lake is holding,” 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.
NWT Fire reported that yesterday and today crews were in Gamètì working towards a planned ignition.
“Residents of Gameti 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 Gameti,” said NWT Fire.
A new fire (ZF046-25 ) was spotted about 4.8 km northeast of Hislop Lake, along the Marian River.
“This fire was measured at 1 hectare in size and is not currently a threat to communities. It is being monitored,” said NWT Fire.
Yesterday, another lightning caused fire (ZF040-25) was spotted 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
A lightning-caused fire (SS024-25) is located about 27 km southwest of Enterprise and estimated to be about 15 hectares in size.
“It is on an island and is between areas that burned in 2023 and 2024,” said NWT Fire.
Officials reported there is currently no threat to communities, infrastructure, or cabins.
A lightning-caused fire (SS025-25), located about 10 km northeast of Pilot Lake, has grown to 3 hectares in size.
“Air tankers performed drops on this fire on August 1 and a crew is working on securing a perimeter around the fire. There is currently no threat to communities, infrastructure, or cabins,” said NWT Fire.
The fire (SS014-25) located about 24 km northwest of Fort Providence is showing more signs of fire activity and officials reported that the fire has grown.
“Crews are continuing to ensure sprinklers are up around nearby structures and are mopping up the area. There is a large smoke column visible in Fort Providence and to travelers on Highway 3. Winds from the east are pushing the fire westward and away from the community. The smoke column looks much closer than it is – the fire has grown and is around 24km 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.
Officials 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.
