In the North Slave region, a fire near Whati has spread and is now located about 15 km from the community. In the Dehcho, crews reported that the south flank wildfire FS014-25 is holding well and levels of threat for Jean Marie River and Fort Simpson have not changed, but there has been “significant activity” on the northeast corner of the fire today near the Mackenzie River. Officials also said a fire near Fort Providence in the South Slave region is expected to see increased activity in the coming days.
NORTH SLAVE REGION
Crews said fire ZF048-25 has grown closer to Whati and is now about 15 km from the community.
“Strong southerly winds saw increasing fire activity through the burning day yesterday and growth towards Whati through today – with the distance between the fire and the community at roughly 15km as the crow flies,” said NWT Fire.
Wildland fire crews said airtankers are making drops on the north end of the fire to cool it down and slow its growth.
The fire shifted this afternoon and is expected to shift again in the evening.
“Westerly winds through the early afternoon has caused growth to the east, while later in the evening, winds expected to switch to a more favourable north-northwest – which should limit growth to the north today,” said crews.
Tomorrow, the winds and smoke are expected along with some growth.
“Easterly winds and heavy smoke expected to hang over the fire tomorrow, which should cause higher levels of humidity and limit growth,” said NWT Fire.
Officials forecast that Tuesday may bring “very aggressive fire weather,” including southerly winds at 25 km per hour sustained, and winds gusting between 35 to 40km, which could cause growth to the north. Wildland fire crews advised that wildfire and smoke may be visible to the community of Whati if the weather is as forecasted.
Crews said that natural barriers are helping to protect the community.
“There are significant barriers to spread between the wildfire and the community of Whati – including water bodies, swamps, and other areas of limited forest fuels,” said NWT Fire.
Officials assured there are no current threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure. Wildland crews said efforts will continue to manage this wildfire to protect values on the landscape and the community of Whati.
Yesterday, crews said reconnaissance flights showed the fire largely smouldering or showing low flame.
Officials advised that over the coming days, there may be increased fire activity as winds and hot, dry conditions ramp up.
On Saturday, crews and aircraft worked to protect values on the landscape.
Earlier this week, crews reported that the wildfire located about 3 km west of Hwy 3 (ZF015-25) includes fire ZF017-25, and continues to be active.
Officials said the wildfire continues to be most visible between KM 140-160 on Highway 3.
They cautioned travellers to expect to see increasing fire activity over the coming days. Wildland crews carried on in their 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 again today, at about 4 km west of Whiteman Lake. Crews continued to maintain fire protection on values to the east of the fire.
Officials assured that there are currently no threats to communities, cabins, infrastructure, or other values on the landscape.
A fire (ZF052-25) was spotted earlier this week about 32 km west of Behchoko and 10 km east of Hwy 9.
Officials reported today that progress has been made again today at the blaze’s edge, with crews 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.
On Friday, 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.
Yesterday, 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 yesterday.
SOUTH SLAVE REGION
Crews reported that the fire (SS014-25) located about 24 km northwest of Fort Providence may see increased activity and may spread in the coming days.
“Westerly winds may cause some growth towards Highway 3 today, however, it is not expected to reach or impact the highway. Primarily southerly winds in the coming days along with hot, dry weather may cause visible activity for travellers on Highway 3 and in Fort Providence,” said NWT Fire today.
Officials advised that the community of Fort Providence is not at threat. They also assured that values in the area are protected and there are no communities, cabins, or infrastructure at risk currently due to this wildfire.
DEHCHO
NWT Fire 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.
Crews reported that the south flank of this wildfire is holding well and levels of threat for Jean Marie River and Fort Simpson have not changed.
Officials reported that there is currently no threat to communities, cabins, or infrastructure due to the wildfire at this time.
Wildland fire crews reported “significant activity” on the northeast corner of the fire today, in the area closest to the Mackenzie River, with the wildfire growing towards the banks of the Mackenzie and has reached it in some areas.
“This activity is likely to continue under westerly winds today and southerly winds tomorrow – which could cause additional growth to the east and north,” said NWT Fire.
Crews are monitoring activity on the northeast and west flanks of the fire and will take action if required.
“No winds favourable to significant growth towards the Liard River or the Fort Simpson ferry landing are in the forecast,” said firefighters.
Wildland fire crews reported that some structure protection will continue at cabins in the area of FS009, east of Fort Liard as a precaution.
Officials reported the fire showed “little activity” again today and said that 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)
