Highway 3 is now closed to the public, cutting the only road from Behchokǫ̀ to Yellowknife. The fire, which was sparked by lightning, is planned to cross Highway 3 between 275-279, according to the latest NWT Fire update. So far, the fire was recently measured to cover an area of 63,441 hectares, and poses a direct threat to the community of Behchokǫ̀.
The Incident Management Team is concerned about the fire that crossed the control lines during ignition operations west of Stagg River. This ignition line is now closer to Behchokǫ̀, with a possibility of further expansion to the community, due to today’s strong winds.
(Courtesy of Julie Green)
Robert McCall, a Behchokǫ̀ resident says: “My black truck was covered with big juicy white ash all over the truck. There was a lot of ash. I was wearing a face mask, you have to wear a face mask because you’re breathing all these particles, it’s not healthy at all.”
Behchokǫ̀ Chief, Clifford Daniels came back in urgency from his pilgrimage from Lac Sainte Anne this morning to be with his community. “We might have to go toward Fort Providence, and some have already gone to Whatì, and the winds are really picking up today from where the fire is, it’s really blowing through the community,” he said.
Chief Daniel also stated: “We’re trying to give space to the firefighters because they’re all over the road with trucks and equipment, and firefighters, and EMOs. And I think that’s why they want to have access to fight the fire.”
Chief Daniels encourages prayers and rain.
For more information, and for the latest updates, visit the Tłı̨chǫ Government’s website.
