Crews have sucessfully contained the southeast section of the fire located about 12.5 km from Jean Marie River First Nation.
NWT Fire reported another day of decreased fire activity across much of the territories today, due to recent rains but some fires in the North Slave, including one located southwest of Whati have been problematic.
Dry conditions and strong winds are expected to continue in some regions.
“The NWT has seen rain across several regions which helped slow down some wildfires, while parts of the North Slave are expecting drier conditions with stronger winds,” said crews.
DEHCHO
Crews continue to action fires in the Fort Liard complex. 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.
“With an IMT in place to manage this fire, crews and air support are making great progress. They have managed to contain 100 per cent of the southeast section of the fire, closest to Jean Marie River,” said NWT Fire.
Monday, crews working on the ground and in the air reported that about 80 per cent of the southeast section of the fire, closest to the community, was contained.
Tthets’éhk’edélî (Jean Marie River First Nation) remains on an Evacuation Notice.
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.
Officials also advised community members to keep informed and prepared in case conditions change.
NWT Fire assured that Jean Marie River First Nation and Fort Simpson are not considered at threat by this fire.
Fire FS009, east of Fort Liard continues to be monitored by crews.
“The area around Fort Liard had heavy downpours on Monday, which helped lower the fire risk. There remains no threat to communities or infrastructure due to these wildfires at this time,” said officials.
Another wildfire (FS039-25), located about 21 km east of Hwy 7 and 32 km northeast of Fort Liard remains less than 1 hectare in size.
“Crews are coldtrailing the area to ensure it does not spread,” said NWT Fire.
NORTH SLAVE REGION
A lightning-caused fire (ZF048-25) was spotted earlier this week and is currently about 25 km southwest of Whati.
“This fire continues to challenge responders. On August 12, the fire exhibited behaviour that challenged control, including air tankers, and made it unsafe for crews to action the fire on the ground. Crews were pulled from the fire as it grew to the west. Given the fire behaviour and size, crews decided to move away from directly actioning it. The ongoing drought conditions continue to present challenging conditions. The fire has spread primarily to the west and remains approximately 25 km from the community. While the fire will be visible it presents no short term threat to Whati or any other known values at risk. Planning is underway to determine how the fire will be managed going forward,” said NWT Fire.
The wildfire located about 3 km west of Hwy 3 (ZF015-25) showed decreased activity.
On Friday and Saturday, crews reported increased activity at this fire as it spread closer to the highways’ south end, but today the fire showed decreased activity.
“This fire continues to burn, but has relatively quiet over the last couple of days. Smoke and visibility challenges are likely for travellers,” advised NWT Fire.
Crews with the Department of Infrastructure are working to ensure the highway remains safe,” said crews.
Officials advise travellers to check conditions on roadways using DriveNWT.ca
A wildfire near Campbell Lake and east of Hearne Lake and Watta Lake Lodge (F024-25) showed decreased activity today.
“Crews are assessing this fire and will meet with the lodge owners today to update them on the fire behaviour,” said NWT Fire.
Earlier this week there was a “significant” decrease in fire behaviour. Crews from the department of Infrastructure are continuing to monitor the fire.
“There are currently no short term concerns of it reaching Blachford Lake Lodge or Hearne Lake Lodge,” 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, said Graf and NWT Fire.
Crews reported that this fire remains about 2409 hectares in size. Crews reported low fire behaviour again today but are continuing to monitor the area.
NWT Fire advised that smoke remains visible in the area. Anyone who would like information on where smoke is coming from can to head to firesmoke.ca
SOUTH SLAVE REGION
The fire (SS014-25) located about 24 km northwest of Fort Providence continues to be monitored for fire activity.
Yesterday crews reported the fire had grown slightly.
“This fire may be visible from highway 3 at times. The community of Fort Providence is not at threat – there are swamps and other barriers to fire spread to the south,” said NWT Fire.
Officials urged residents to be mindful of campfires and bans in place across the territories.
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.
