Crews continued to respond to fires bordering communities in the South Slave region and in the Dehcho. Wildfires continued to encroach near Hwy 1 in the Dehcho and Hwy 3 in the North Slave region, affecting visibility and driving conditions.
Dehcho Region
Crews and aircraft continued focus on holding the wildfire FS014 to the east of Hwy 1, close to the Fort Simpson Ferry Landing, halting growth towards the Liard River.
Wildland crews reported this afternoon that the fire had not reached Hwy 1, remaining about 100 to 200 metres from the highway.
“Helicopters are working with buckets on the north and south end of the fire – helping to hold back eastward growth on the south end, which could bring the wildfire closer to Jean Marie River; and assisting in holding the wildfire east of Highway 1,” said NWT Fire.
Officials said at their last assessment, the fire remained about 15 km northwest of Jean Marie River at its closest active point, 3.5 km southeast of the Fort Simpson Ferry Landing and about 5 km south of Fort Simpson Airport on the opposite side of the Liard River.
Yesterday, Wildfire crews and air support were able to keep the fire held to the east of Hwy 1.
“While there was increased fire activity on the south end of the fire, closest to Jean Marie River, the fire is not closer to the community than it was yesterday. It may move slightly closer today,” advised officials.
Crews advised Fort Simpson residents and travellers of smoke being visible across the Liard River as the fire is forecasted to pick up “slightly” and will carry on “torching off unburnt fuels.”
“The wildfire is not assessed to be a threat to Fort Simpson or the Fort Simpson airport at this time. The Liard River provides a strong buffer to fire growth to the Fort Simpson side of the river,” said firefighters.
Weather conditions are predicted to assist in wildfire response in the coming days.
“There is rain in the forecast over the weekend. If this plays out, it will be a major help in managing this wildfire,” said Wildland crews.
The community of Jean Maire River remains on an Evacuation Alert.
South Slave Region
In Fort Providence, Wildland crews continued their response to fire SS014, treating hotspots to the east and west of the community.
Officials said that “key” threats to Fort Providence have been removed, but the active wildfire remains about 900 meters north of the community. Due to the wildfire that remains active, the community of Fort Providence has been de-escalated to an Evacuation Alert since the Evacuation Order was lifted on Thursday.
Firefighters continued to mobilize a response to the fire.
“Airtankers may be active in the area this afternoon to cool down any areas the team is working. There remains no threat to Fort Providence,” said crews.
Wildland crews installed protections in at risk areas of the community.
“Firefighters have continued to run pumps and mop-up hotspots nearby a cabin on the Horn River – no structures lost at this time,” said NWT Fire.
North Slave Region
NWT Fire reported that fire F015 continued to be most visible between KM 140 and KM 160 on Highway 3.
“Travellers may see fire activity along the highway. Crews continue to work to protect cabins and other values on the landscape,” said officials.
Crews advised to check DriveNWT.ca for the latest updates on road conditions.
