The North Slave and South Slave regions experienced increased fire today, including a fire that moved closer to Whati and a new fire near Łutsël Kʼé, which is suspected to be human caused.
Officials reported that fires ZF015 and ZF048, which are visible from Hwy 3 and the Tlicho All-Season Road, will mean that periods of reduced visibility are likely – especially from KM 140 and 165 on Hwy 3.
Crews also advised that a fire near Fort Providence will likely show signs of growth.
NORTH SLAVE REGION
Crews said fire (ZF048-25) has grown closer to Whati.
“The latest reconnaissance flights show the fire largely smouldering or showing low flame. Over the coming days, there may be increased fire activity as winds and hot, dry conditions ramp up. The regional team will continue to assess the fire and make long-term plans for managing it to protect the community of Whatı̀. While fire and smoke may be visible, there is not currently any threat to the community, or other values on the landscape,” said NWT Fire.
Yesterday, crews and aircraft worked to protect values on the landscape.
Firefighters 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.
Officials cautioned travellers to expect to see increasing fire activity over the coming days. Wildland crews continued to work to protect cabins and other values on the landscape today.
Earlier this week, officials reported the fire had grown to over 200,000 hectares in size.
Officials advise travellers to check conditions on roadways using DriveNWT.ca
A wildfire (ZF024-25) near Hearne, Buckham, Watta Lakes showed some fire activity on the southeast flank today, at about 4km west of Whiteman Lake.
“Structure protection continues to be maintained on values to the east of the fire in preparation for potential eastward growth under westerly winds in the coming days. There are currently no threats to communities, cabins, infrastructure, or other values on the landscape,” said NWT Fire.
A fire (ZF052-25) spotted earlier this week about 32 km west of Behchoko and 10 km east of Hwy 9.
“Crews have made it all the way around the fire and knocked down activity at its edge using pump and hose. Work will continue to blackline – extinguish all fuels at the fire’s edge – working their way in gradually from the perimeter to ensure the fire does not escape control. No current threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure,” said NWT Fire.
Yesterday, three crews and helicopters made significant progress. Hoselay was established along much of the perimeter and crews used pumps, hose, and handtools to expose and suppress heat at its edge.
On Thursday, crews reported that airtankers and helicopters made drops to reduce fire intensity and support the progress of crews working the fire on the ground.
A new fire (ZF053-25) was spotted about 36 km southwest of Łutsël Kʼé. This fire is suspected to be person-caused and approximately 2 hectares in size, said officials.
“There are numerous barriers to spread between this wildfire and the community – including Murky Lake, bays along the East Arm of Great Slave Lake, and other fuel-limited areas. We expect limited growth given forest fuels in the area and current and expected weather conditions. It will be monitored for values protection – with no current threat to communities, cabins, or infrastructure,” said NWT Fire.
SOUTH SLAVE REGION
The fire (SS014-25) located about 24 km northwest of Fort Providence is over 18, 000 hectares in size. Officials reported that the fire may see increased activity.
Crews advised the fire will continue to be visible from Hwy 3 and also cautioned that the fire may see further growth to the north, in the direction away from Fort Providence, as southerly winds and hot, dry weather is expected.
Officials advised that the community of Fort Providence is not at threat. Officials also assured that values in the area are protected and there are no communities, cabins, or infrastructure at risk currently due to this wildfire.
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 under control.
“Because of the sustained and rapid action of crews and aircraft, this fire has now been brought under control. Any threats to communities, cabins, and infrastructure have been eliminated at this time. Mop-up efforts will continue to ensure the fire doesn’t escape containment under warming conditions during the coming week,” said NWT Fire.
On Wednesday, crews reported that there had been limited growth overnight and on Thursday Wildland crews made significant progress.
Yesterday, three crews and aircraft carried on with efforts to contain this wildfire and made good progress.
DEHCHO
Officials 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.
“Some activity on the northeast corner of this fire may cause visible smoke in Fort Simpson. However, there is no threat to either community at this time. The south end of the fire is now considered to be held, and crews continue to patrol that part of the fire looking for any remaining hotspots,” said NWT Fire.
Wildland fire crews reported that some 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.
“This fire has shown little activity. While drying is expected over the coming week, there are no immediate threats to values on Bovie Lake. Structure protection continues to be maintained on cabins in the area. Structure protection equipment is being demobilized from the community of Fort Liard as threat has reduced enough,” said NWT Fire.
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 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.
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.
Officials ask the public to report new starts to the Wildfire Public Information Line (867-445-5484)
