The fire consuming the community of Behchokǫ̀ (Rae) is ‘out of control’, according to Fire NWT and is estimated at over 100,000 hectares.
Although the community of Rae has been reached, Edzo remains untouched.
Windy and dry conditions have only increased fire activity-making the smoke and fire visible from the highway and Yellowknife.
According to Fire NWT, six crews are in and out of the community setting sprinklers, extinguishing spot fires and cutting lines to mitigate some of the damage.
At this time, the Stagg River power station has not been compromised in addition to the fibre optic line.
Andrew Anderson is a spokesperson for Northwestel.
“As for the fibre line along Highway 3, we have very limited broadband capacity into Yellowknife outside of that fibre line. Those fibre assets remain under threat from the fire. In the past, a full break to that fibre has significantly impacted connectivity including Internet and long-distance phone in Yellowknife and surrounding communities.”
Residents are reminded that Highway 3 is closed once again and the evacuation order remains in place.
A drum dance and prayer circle is scheduled outside the Multiplex at 7 p.m.
Chief Clifford Daniels shares the latest updates with CKLB News.
