“Drastic change in fire weather conditions underway from Yellowknife and Behchokǫ̀ to the 60th Parallel,” said NWT Fire. With the North Slave and South Slave regions seeing increased fire activity today, officials warned that hot and dry conditions could translate into increased risks for some areas.
“Warming and drying will continue through the weekend, leading to escalating fire danger – especially in areas which have not had recent rains,” said Wildland crews.
A community in the Dehcho continues to be on an Evacuation Notice due to a fire located about 12.5 km away, but officials assure that there is no threat to this community or another neighbouring community at this time.
DEHCHO
Wildland crews continued to monitor wildfires in the Fort Liard complex. The wildfire (FS014-25) was last assessed at being located about 12.5 km northwest of Tthets’éhk’edélî (Jean Marie River) and about 22 km southeast of Fort Simpson.
“While some fire activity, primarily within the fire’s existing perimeter, may be visible from Fort Simpson and Jean Marie River, there is no threat to either community at this time,” said NWT Fire.
Earlier this week, crews reported that the south end of the fire is considered to be held, and officials continued to patrol that part of the fire looking for any remaining hotspots.
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.
Wildland fire crews reported that structure protection will continue at fire FS009, east of Fort Liard as a precaution. Officials said there remains no threat to communities or infrastructure at this time due to this fire.
“Rain over the last two weeks has reduced the threat as a result of this wildfire. Structure protection remains in place at Bovie Lake, but potential threats have subsided,” said NWT Fire.
NORTH SLAVE REGION
Crews said they anticipate the fire (ZF048-25) will show increased activity in the coming days. Currently the wildfire remains about 25 km southwest of Whati.
“This wildfire has not grown closer to Whatı̀ since last update. However, we do expect to see increasing fire activity over the coming days as warm, dry conditions and south winds move into the picture – meaning there could be northerly growth towards the community. Crews and aircraft are working to protect values on the landscape and looking towards long-term plans for managing the wildfire to protect the community of Whatı̀,” said NWT Fire.
Officials advised the fire will be visible, but does not currently pose a threat to the community.
Crews said the wildfire located about 3 km west of Hwy 3 (ZF015-25) now includes ZF017-25, and continues to be active.
Wildland crews said the fire is most visible between KM 140-160 on Highway 3.
“Travellers should expect to see increasing fire activity over the coming days. Crews continue to work to protect cabins and other values on the landscape,” said NWT Fire today.
Yesterday, officials reported the fire had grown to over 200,000 hectares in size.
“This fire, covering approximately 205,654 hectares, creates smoke and visibility issues for travellers,” said Wildland crews.
Officials advise travellers to check conditions on roadways using DriveNWT.ca
A fire (ZF052-25) spotted yesterday about 32 km west of Behchoko and 10 km east of Hwy 9.
Aircraft crews responded quickly and today officials reported the fire remains about 5 to 8 hectares in size.
“Airtankers and helicopters are making drops to reduce fire intensity and support the quick, safe progress of crews working this fire. The team is likely to have hoselay around the fire by the end of the day and will continue to put water on the ground to contain its perimeter,” said NWT Fire.
Yesterday officials reported aircrafts mobilized to help suppress the fire while ground crews worked to identify a water source and soak the hot spots.
SOUTH SLAVE REGION
The fire (SS014-25) located about 24 km northwest of Fort Providence is over 18, 000 hectares in size. Officials reported today that the fire continued to show considerable growth today.
Crews reported the fire remains over 18,000 hectares in size and may continue to be visible from Hwy 3.
“This fire, measuring 18,429 hectares, may be visible from highway 3 at times – and may see further growth to the north – away from Fort Providence – under expected southerly winds and hot, dry weather. The community of Fort Providence is not at threat – there are swamps and other barriers to fire spreading to the south,” said NWT Fire.
The fire spotted on Saturday, located about 1 km west of Little Buffalo River, about 20 km northwest of Hwy 6 and about 36 km south of Fort Resolution (SS031-25) is currently about 155 hectares in size.
Yesterday, crews reported that there had been limited growth overnight and today Wildland crews made significant progress.
“The fire is currently estimated at roughly 60-70 per cent contained due to the fast, sustained action from aircraft and ground crews,” said NWT Fire.
Officials assured that the fire does not currently pose a threat to values, infrastructure, or communities in the area.
BEAUFORT DELTA AND THE SAHTU REGIONS
Officials reported that there were no fires of concern in these regions at the time of the NWT Fire update.
Wildland firefighters urged residents to be mindful of campfires and bans in place across the territories.
Crews caution not to leave campfires unattended, especially in current fire weather conditions, which could quickly become a wildfire.
NWT Fire advised the public to follow the golden rule of “Soak, Stir, Soak,” – “If you can’t hold your hand over it, it’s not out,” said crews.
Crews cautioned not to leave campfires unattended, especially in current fire weather conditions, which could quickly become a wildfire. Officials urged the public to follow any active bans or partial bans in place.
Officials ask the public to report new starts to the Wildfire Public Information Line (867-445-5484)
