“Its been a long season,” say crews as Ft Providence residents return home

Crews continue to confront one of the worst wildfire seasons on record for the NWT, but today the people of Fort Providence were able to return home after evacuating 10 days ago. Active fire remains less than 1 km away, but the fire is considered “held.” 

Wildfires along Hwy 1 and Hwy 3 persisted today. Crews reported that active fire is visible from areas of the highway. 

While the fires near Jean Marie River First Nation, where another Evacuation alert is active, have not expanded, the fire remains about 15 km away. 

In Whati, the fire has not expanded since the community evacuated on Aug. 31 and returned on Saturday, but the blaze remains about 7 km from the airport. 

“It’s been a long season – and fire weather conditions in the North Slave, South Slave, and Dehcho are still supportive of new starts and fast growing wildfires.”

South Slave

NWT Fire and community officials from Fort Providence welcomed all residents back today beginning at about 12 noon.

NWT Fire said the “key threats” to the community have been eliminated as crews continue to respond to wildfire SS014.

Today, crews treated hot spots east and west of the community.

Wildland crews reported that the fire remains active 900 metres directly north and northeast of Fort Providence, with the fireguard line running across the length of the community.

Officials reported that there is an active fire along Hwy 3 between road markers 38 and 64 on both east and west sides of the highway. NWT Fire and GNWT’s department of Infrastructure advised travellers to drive cautiously due to wildfires and smoke affecting visibility in the area.

Crews said that the fireline, which is directly north of the community, currently has a status of “Being Held” which means it is not expected to grow.

“Residents returning should expect to see smoke in the area as fire crews continue work on the east and west flanks of the wildfire. The fire is not out, or entirely under control, but key threats to Fort Providence have been eliminated,” said officials.

Wildfire-affected areas of the community are subject to dangers like falling trees, continued heat on the ground and ash pits, which officials warned are “real hazards.”

Residents are being advised to avoid these areas and allow crews to continue working on responding to the wildfire, which remains active.

“You will see crews in the community completing firefighter tasks. Please give them the space they need to work. There is still equipment in the community that will be demobilized. Please stay clear so crews and workers can deliver this equipment to other wildfires in the territory,” said officials.

Some areas of the community inside the town may be closed off. Community officials asked that residents follow orders according to the directions provided in different areas for safety reasons.

The community has been de-escalated to an Evacuation Alert as the fire remains active in the area.

Dehcho

Wildland Crews reported today that efforts in response to fire S014 are on the blaze’s encroachment towards Hwy 1.

“All action on this wildfire continues to be focused on holding the wildfire to the east of Highway 1 and preventing growth towards the Liard River,” said crews

The blaze remains about 15 km northwest of Jean Marie River First Nation. The community remains on an Evacuation Alert.

North Slave Region

Fire ZF048, remains about 7 km south of the Whati Airport.

Crews reported today that there has been some activity on the east flank of the wildfire, closest to the Tłı̨chǫ All-Season road.

Officials advised that smoke may be visible, but assured there are no threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure at this time.

Also in the North Slave region, F015 persists and is most visible from KM 130 to KM 160 along Hwy 3.

“Travellers may see fire activity along the highway,” cautioned crews again today. NWT Fire reported that they carried on with efforts today to protect cabins and other values on the landscape in the area.

Officials advised that travellers should check DriveNWT.ca for the most current road conditions.