The town of Hay River and the village of Fort Simpson announced that due to weather conditions, a full fire ban is effective immediately.
NWT Fire announced on Friday that the territories are experiencing hot, dry conditions, unseasonable for this time of year.
The Fort Simpson region and Jean Marie River First Nation are currently under a heat alert.
Under Fort Simpson’s full fire ban, certain activities are prohibited, as outlined by the town of Fort Simpson, open-air fires (including campfires, bonfires and open recreational fires), the use of outdoor wood burning stoves, firepits, or similar devices. Under a full fire ban, the burning of debris or yard waste is prohibited. Also falling under the ban is the use of fireworks, firecrackers and pyrotechnic displays.
The ban does not apply to CSA approved propane fueled pits and barbeques, or burning that is practiced for cultural ceremonies. Officials caution to avoid using fire for these situations as well.
Officials warned that not observing the ban could result in a fine of up to $500.
Town officials notified residents that no fire permits would be issued and open fires were not allowed at this time.
Officials cautioned residents to be mindful of campfires and to take extra care to be sure fires are fully extinguished.
“Human-caused fires can pull resources from other fires as they are often closest to the things we care about. ALWAYS SOAK-STIR-SOAK your campfire!” advised NWT Fire.
Heat alerts are in effect for a number of regions across the NWT, including the Fort Liard region in Nahanni Butte and Sambaa K’e, the Fort Providence region and Jean Marie River First Nation.
An air advisory alert due to wildfires is in effect for the North Slave region including Wekweeti, Whati and Behchokǫ̀.
