There are currently 92 out of control fires burning in the N.W.T. including two new lightning-caused fires spotted in the Sahtu region.
Milder conditions including rains in the Dehcho and North Slave region have assisted crews in their work to maintain fire lines. Tthets’éhk’edélî (Jean Marie River First Nation) officials de-escalated to an Evacuation Notice today.
“Cooler weather is expected for the next 24 hours, the South Slave and Dehcho could see a return to warm dry weather as early as tomorrow. Scattered thunder showers mean a possibility of lightning in many regions, especially along the Mackenzie between Wrigley and Norman Wells,” said NWT Fire.
DEHCHO
Tthets’éhk’edélî (Jean Marie River First Nation) officials announced that they are de- escalating the Evacuation Alert to an Evacuation Notice, due to decreased fire risks at this time.
Officials also advised community members to keep informed and prepared in case conditions change.
The wildfire (FS014-25) was last assessed at being located about 12.5 km northwest of Jean Marie River and about 22 km southeast of Fort Simpson.
“Winds are expected from the south today which could push the fire towards the north. Structure protection is up and ready in Jean Marie River should it be necessary. Today’s assessment of the fire showed no meaningful movement by this fire. The moisture received in the area, and good work by crews and air support, means the threat level to Jean Marie River has dropped to an evacuation notice. Crews will be working on the south side of this fire today. We expect the recent rain will continue to aid efforts in fighting this fire,” said NWT Fire today.
Officials reported that Fort Simpson is not considered at threat by this fire.
Yesterday afternoon, Shannon Graf, a wildfire information officer with NWT Fire, said the wildfire has not shown any increase in threat.
Jean Marie River First Nation officials advised community members to check the community Facebook Page for updates.
Updates are also available on GNWT’s Alert pages webpage and the GNWT Fire Map.
Fire FS009, east of Fort Liard, continued to exhibit very little activity, said officials. Structure protections remain at Bovie Lake to protect cabins in the area and on infrastructure.
“There remains no threat to communities or infrastructure due to these wildfires at this time,” said NWT Fire.
The lightning-caused fire that was spotted Monday about 20 km east of Hwy 7 and north of Muskeg River (FS037-25), remains less than 1 hectare in size.
“This fire is now under control; crews will be cold-trailing (looking for hot spots) today. It is not currently a threat to communities or infrastructure,” said NWT Fire today.
NORTH SLAVE REGION
The wildfire located about 3 km west of Hwy 3 (ZF015-25) showed decreased activity due to rains but firefighters are continue to monitor the area, said NWT Fire. Officials report the fire continues to be most visible between KM 150-190 on Hwy 3.
“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 today.
Officials advise travellers to check conditions on roadways using DriveNWT.ca
Recent rains have also helped to decrease fire activity for a wildfire near Campbell Lake and east of Hearne Lake and Watta Lake Lodge (F024-25).
Crews continued again today to monitor the fire and have found the area is currently low risk.
“A containment line has been established on the south side of Buckham lake and will also be monitored for fire activity. The lines continue to hold on this fire,” said officials.
Earlier this week, a fire (ZF039-25) located about 2.5 km east of Rae Lake’s north end grew from 500 hectares to about 2400 hectares in size, said Graf and NWT Fire.
Officials reported that the fire remains about 2409 hectares in size. Today and yesterday crews monitored the site and worked to strengthen the fuel break which was created by the planned ignition.
Over the weekend crews were in Gamètì working towards a planned ignition.
“The planned ignition went forward on Saturday and is reported to have gone well in establishing a fuel break for the community,” said crews.
“The fire is currently burning to the northeast due to south westerly winds. Smoke may be visible,” said crews.
Graf explained that smoke will be visible in the area from fires further south in the territory. Anyone who would like information on where smoke is coming from can to head to https://firesmoke.ca
SOUTH SLAVE
The fire (SS014-25) located about 24 km northwest of Fort Providence continues to be monitored for fire activity.
Crews continued mopping up the area and ensured structure protection sprinklers were functioning. Officials assured the community of Fort Providence is not under threat. Swamps and other barriers in the nearby area are helping to prevent the fire spread to the south, said NWT Fire.
A new wildfire was spotted today about 20 km south southeast of Fort Resolution (SS028-25).
The wildfire remains less than a hectare in size. Crews said drops were done to cool this fire on Monday and a crew actioned the fire today.
“This fire has now been assessed as under control and crews will continue to cold-trail to ensure the strength of the line,” said NWT Fire today.
Officials say the fire is not a threat to communities, infrastructure, or cabins at this time.
Another wildfire about 50 km east of Fort Resolution (SS027-25) remains less than 1 hectare in size.
“A crew will be working on this fire today. It is not a threat to communities, infrastructure, or cabins at this time,” said NWT Fire.
A fire located about 10 km northeast of Pilot Lake (SS025-25) remains 3 hectares in size and is under control, said officials.
“Crews and heavy equipment will be cold-trailing this fire today. There is currently no threat to communities, infrastructure, or cabins,” said NWT Fire.
The SAHTU
Two new lightning caused fires were spotted in the Sahtu region near Colville Lake. One fire is located about 133 km northwest of Colville Lake (VQ031-25).
“This lightning caused fire was assessed at 60 hectares in size and is being monitored.
There is currently no threat to communities, infrastructure, or cabins,” said NWT Fire.
The second fire is located about 132 km west northwest of Colville Lake (VQ033-25).
“This lightning caused fire was assessed at 20 hectares in size and is being monitored. There is currently no threat to communities, infrastructure, or cabins,” said NWT Fire.
BEAUFORT DELTA
NWT Fire reported today that currently there are no fires of concern in this region.
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.
