With much of territories experiencing cool conditions, wildfires continue to show decreased activity today, even with warm temperatures in South Slave, but strong winds and lightning could mean fire risks.
“Cooler weather and showers are expected in the Beaufort Delta and Sahtu region, with lightning showers and strong winds predicted in areas across the NWT. Meanwhile, the South Slave will be facing warmer than usual temperatures,” said NWT Fire.
DEHCHO
Tthets’éhk’edélî (Jean Marie River First Nation) remains on an Evacuation Notice.
Officials also advised community members to keep informed and prepared in case conditions change due to a wildfire that was last assessed to be located about 12.5 km from the community.
The wildfires of the Fort Liard complex continue to be watched with care by crews.
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.
“Crews and air support are doing good work on containing this fire and are working toward tying down the Southeast side. There has been no meaningful movement and the moisture received in the area means the threat level to Jean Marie River has dropped to an evacuation notice,” said NWT Fire today.
Officials reported that Fort Simpson is not considered at threat by this fire.
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 again today, said officials. Structure protections remain at Bovie Lake to protect cabins in the area and on infrastructure.
Officials said currently, there is no threat to communities or infrastructure due to these wildfires.
NORTH SLAVE REGION
The wildfire located about 3 km west of Hwy 3 (ZF015-25) continues to be most visible between KM 150-190 on Hwy 3.
Crews reported smoke and visibility challenges remain likely for travellers and advised to 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).
“Recent rain in the area has slowed down fire activity. Ongoing monitoring of this fire has determined that the area is currently low risk. Crews will assess the area again today. The lines continue to hold on this fire,” said NWT Fire.
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.
Officials reported that the fire remains about 2409 hectares in size and advised smoke may be visible. Today crews carried on monitoring 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.
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 carried on with 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 yesterday about 20 km south southeast of Fort Resolution (SS028-25) has been declared out.
Another wildfire about 50 km east of Fort Resolution (SS027-25) was last measured at less than 1 hectare in size.
“This fire is now being held. A crew is mopping up the area today to ensure there are no nearby hotspots. It is not a threat to communities, infrastructure, or cabins at this time.” said NWT Fire.
The SAHTU
Yesterday 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 yesterday.
The second fire was 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 yesterday.
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.
