According to the latest report by Wildland crews, the Antoine Lake Complex wildfire has grown to more than 63,000 hectares, with growth mostly to the north and south flanks, away from Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ and Fort Simpson. While the wildfire grew on Tuesday, Wildland officials said their most recent infrared scan identified about 1,900 heat signatures, less than one third of the number about one week ago.
Another wildfire in the Dehcho region, FS015, also expanded away from the community of Wrigley.
Crews said that lingering smoke stood in the way of air response efforts today near Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ and Fort Simpson, but smoke is also helping to keep temperatures cooler.
Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ and Fort Simpson
Weather conditions on Wednesday are anticipated to decrease fire behaviour, with cooler temperatures and a potential for scattered showers along with higher humidity and light, variable winds.
“While there is still some uncertainty in the forecast, conditions are expected to keep the wildfire threat lower than in recent days,” said NWT Fire.
Crews are working to mop-up areas on both the north and south side of Hwy 1.
“Excavators are being utilized to open deep burning berms to allow crews to extinguish hot spots. Crews will remain in place to patrol this area and ensure no hotspots are present.”
Firefighters are also targeting areas on the west side of Hwy 1, north of the highway junction.
A number of trees and downed power lines continue to pose a danger.
Specialists including danger tree assessors and danger tree fallers are working alongside firefighters and Wildland Urban Interface crews to support fire response activities.
“Mop-up operations continue across the eastern flank of the fire and at the site of the 20 ha excursion. Crews are working to extinguish remaining hotspots, including deep ash pits and heat trapped underground in tree roots, stumps, and organic soil. This work is thorough and time-consuming but is essential to prevent the fire from reigniting and to ensure the area is safe.”
Wrigley
Wildland crews said much of the N.W.T., including parts of the Dehcho region are anticipated to experience more fire activity as a weather system moves in, bringing widespread thunderstorms.
“Some of which could be strong to severe with gusty winds, possible hail, heavy rain, and frequent lightning.”
According to the latest bulletin by NWT Fire on Tuesday evening, FS015 remains about 5 kilometres north of Wrigley and was last measured at about 19,717 hectares in size.
Crews said a planned ignition operation began Tuesday afternoon and continues.
