Liidlii Kue / Ft Simpson shelter-in-place lifted, Wildland crews monitoring “dynamic” situation

“Highway 1 is now open to traffic but only to south bound headed vehicles,” read a message from the village of Fort Simpson’s Command team Saturday afternoon after Friday’s shelter-in-place order was lifted. Wildland and community officials are closely monitoring what they say is a “dynamic situation” with a potential wind shift anticipated.

“Residents should be advised that there are still many fires burning in isolated pockets along the highway and in all subdivisions. Structure protection crews will be patrolling all night to tackle these problems as they arise,” said Wildland crews.

A shelter in place order was first issued June 30 and reactivated on Friday for those who remained behind in Liidlii Kue First Nation and Fort Simpson, including emergency personnel as the wildfire continued to expand and impact Hwy 1.

“If you wish to evacuate in your personal vehicle now is your chance to leave safely,” said the village command team on Saturday.

Village officials reported that the ferry and the Northern Gas Bar remained open for community members who plan to leave the community and require gas or food.

A ferry that carries community members and vehicles across the Liard River with connections to the highway system remains in operation, said village officials.

Hundreds of community members have evacuated Liidlii Kue First Nation and Fort Simpson following evacuation orders issued June 28 due to wildfire FS016.

According to a report issued Saturday evening, the wildfire was last measured at more than 21,229 hectares in size.

Wildland officials say that FS016 remains a “dynamic” situation.

A cold front is forecasted to gradually move into the Dehcho region during the first half of the day Saturday, anticipated to bring a wind shift across the fire region.

“Winds are expected to remain moderate, generally near 15 km/h with gusts up to 25-30 km/h, particularly late afternoon and evening,” said crews.

Wildland crews are monitoring the potential wind shift.

“The challenge today is a wind shift coming from the north which will push fire to the south.”

NWT Fire reported that as of 6:30 pm Saturday, there were no confirmed losses of primary residential structures.

They added that a complete damage assessment of the area has not been completed, but there are known impacts to outbuildings. Village officials have begun a damage assessment.

Wildland crews reported the wildfire was most active on the south flank on Saturday.

“A significant run occurred to the south along the western side of the airport towards the Liard river. Airport infrastructure has not been directly impacted, although smoke has limited operations out of the airport.”

Smoke interfered with visibility, but crews were able to activate a response from a different angle.

“All aircraft were repositioned before visibility shut down airport operations and continued to operate out of other locations.”

Wildland crews said that overall temperatures and windspeed, along with an aggressive mobilization of fire crews in the air and on the ground, resulted in less fire activity on Saturday.

“The island was treated to an airshow of every type of firefighting aircraft available as they provided suppression to fires smoldering above town. On the hill, crews hunted spot fires and overhauled previously burned areas.”