FS016 gets needed rainfall, “drastically” reducing fire activity

FS016 received up to 25 millimetres of rain, “drastically ” reducing fire activity on Thursday. The wildfire remains adjacent to Liidlii Kue and Fort Simpson, covering an area over 36,380 hectares according to the latest report by Wildland officials Thursday evening.

DEHCHO

Crews reported that since yesterday, between 16mm and 25 mm of rain has hit FS016’s fire ground in Liidlii Kue and Fort Simpson offering some needed relief, reducing fire activity.

“Rain and cooler weather have drastically lowered fire behaviour; however, it was not enough to completely extinguish wildfire burning east of Highway 1.”

With weather conditions forecasted to change again next week, the relief is anticipated to be temporary.

“While rain will lower fire behaviour for a couple days, it will not have a permanent long-term effect on the fire as warm and dry conditions are forecast to return next week.”

The priority area for firefighters remains the east side of Hwy 1 south of the townsite to the airport and upslope of the Snye near the townsite.

Crews advised that trees have been impacted, with a significant amount of danger trees present in the Wildrose and Gil Crescent area.

Wildland officials reported that FS015, located about 12 km from Wrigley remained about 15,588 hectares in size, it did not grow closer to the community.

Wrigley, Liidlii Kue and Fort Simpson remain under evacuation orders. 

Hundreds of community members have evacuated. 

The Yellowknives Dene First Nation announced on Tuesday that evacuees from these communities, located in the Dehcho region, are welcome to stay at the Wıìlıìdeh Site. The GNWT has asked evacuees to register at the Yellowknife Multiplex on 41 Kam Lake Road or at the Fort Smith Centennial Arena on Rupert Avenue. Shelter, food, supports and services are being provided there on site.

The latest updates on the wildfire situation in the community can be found at NWT Fire, on the Liidlii Kue First Nation facebook site, the Fort Simpson facebook site

Community members are also being advised to register themselves and anyone evacuating with them, by heading to the GNWT’s evacuation registration webpages

SOUTH SLAVE

Wildland crews reported that SS019, located about 20 km west of the town of Hay River 100 per cent contained. The wildfire was last measured at about 2,027 hectares.

“Crews, aircraft and heavy equipment have contained 100% of the fire, and it is now reclassified as Being Held. The fire may be visible to people in Hay River and Enterprise, but there is no risk to communities, infrastructure, or cabins,” said NWT Fire in their latest bulletin on Thursday.