In Whati, Wildland crews attacked fire Z048’s north end and east flanks today, using water drops via air to slow the blaze’s potential spread.
The community continues to face the threat of the fire.
“The community of Whatı̀ has the potential to be at threat due to this wildfire. It is not yet safe to return to the community as visibility is extremely poor and the fire is less than a quarter mile from Whati,” warned NWT Fire crews.
At its closest point, the blaze remains about 7 km south of the ignition line located about 1 km from the Whati airport, and about 8 km south of the community border.
The wildfire has experienced growth, but is not expected to reach the community today.
“(The fire) has seen, and may continue to see, significant growth to the south. We urge people to allow crews to continue working on containing this fire to ensure it is safe when residents return,” said firefighters.
The landscape of Whati continued to experience heavy winds today.
“Southeast winds are expected for the day at nearly 20 km per hour winds and gusting at 35 km per hour,” said crews.
Today saw drier conditions, with levels of moisture in the air around 45 per cent. Firefighters advised that drier conditions could translate into heightened fire activity today.
“Wednesday is forecasted to see light showers, but with northerly winds gusting up to 54 km per hour,” advised officials.
For Thursday, variable winds are forecasted to gust at up to 24 km per hour.
Crews are attacking the fire via air. Today they pushed forward making drops at the fire’s north and east flanks to quell the fire’s intensity and to slow potential spread.
“Mopping up the ignition line along the La Martre River is a priority to ensure the break will hold and that the wildfire threat will pass Whati,” said crews.
A direct attack has been deemed unsafe and ineffective, because of the expensive size of the fire’s front and because of the forecasted weather conditions.
Yesterday, firefighters successfully mobilized an ignition operation south of Lac La Matre, strategically used as a natural barrier to prevent the fire from spreading.
Today and yesterday, crews installed structure protection at the community’s edge and around residential areas, with sprinklers being run periodically throughout the day to ensure the system is prepared to activate if needed.
Officials assured that there have been no losses of cabins or homes at this time.
The community of Whati remains on an Evacuation Order.
