Three new fires were reported in the territory as the wildfire on the northeastern side of Wood Buffalo remains over 52,000 hectares in size.
More than 200 personnel and 13 helicopters were deployed in response to the fire over the weekend. While the wildfire remains out of control, officials reported that containment efforts have progressed well on all sides of the wildfire.
Wood Buffalo Fire crews reported that about 270 kilometres of the wildfire perimeter is considered “contained” or “controlled”
South Slave
The 52,236 wildfire is located about 21 km northeast of Highway 5.
“While the size of the fire has not changed, wildfire area and perimeter length continue to be refined as more accurate data, including satellite imagery, are incorporated into mapping,” said officials in a message on Sunday evening.
On Sunday, crews reported that fire activity “generally remained low” with the exception of three areas of increased activity along the north and west perimeter. Ground crews responded to these areas backed by helicopter bucketing.
On Saturday night infrared drone scanning along 66 km of the fire’s northern perimeter identified six “hotspots” that crews said would need to be addressed in the coming days.
Sahtu
NWT Fire reported two new fires in the Sahtu region including a lightning caused fire located about 33 km south-southwest of Norman Wells, west of the Mackenzie River. The fire was estimated at about 90 hectares in size and considered out of control.
Crews advised of wildfire smoke in the area.
“Smoke may be visible from Norman Wells. Current southwesterly winds will be pushing the fire to the northeast, back towards the mountains.”
Another lightning caused fire is located about 24 km southwest of Norman Wells and also west of the Mackenzie River. The fire was estimated at about 300 hectares in size and considered out of control.
Crews observed more smoke from this fire, with winds predicted to push the fire towards the northeast, back towards the mountains. Firefighters began responding to the fire on Saturday.
“Crews started initial attack on this fire yesterday evening. Aircraft will be hitting this fire hard alongside the crews.”
Dehco
A new lightning caused fire was spotted in the Dehtcho region located about 90 km east of Wrigley was last estimated at less than 1 hectare in size. It is classified as out of control.
The latest available updates on the fire can be found on the WBNP Fire Status Dashboard or by contacting 867-872-0443. Updates are also available on www.nwtfire.com
Firefighters are advising the public to follow any fire bans in place and make sure to use caution if using fire out on the land. Anyone who would like more information can head to territory’s the wildfire safety webpages
