Two new wildfires were reported in South Slave over the weekend.
One of the wildfires (SS010) is located 75 kilometres east of Fort Resolution. It started burning naturally and is 20 hectares in size. Water bombers were used to contain the fire. Structural protections have been set up in the area.
The other fire (SS011) is about 6 kilometres south of fire SS010, 1 hectare in size.
Both fires pose no threat to communities, cabins and structures.
Two fires (SS010 and SS011) were found east of Fort Resolution. Fire (SS012) in the community has caused the loss of 4 houses. (Image courtesy NWT Fire)
However, 4 houses were lost due to a structural fire (SS012) in Fort Resolution.
NWT Fire says crews and one helicopter aided local firefighters to prevent the fire from reaching the forest areas.
The NWT Alberta border fire (SS009) is still considered out of control. Alberta Wildfire estimated that 20,000 hectares have burned since May 10.
NWT Fire is coordinating with Alberta Wildfire to contain the fire on either side of the border. Sprinklers were set up to protect values along Highway 1. Water bombers and water tankers are deployed for suppression efforts.
NWT Fire information officer Thomas Bentham says there have been reports of travellers stopping to watch water tankers in action.
“Please do not stop on the highway. This is dangerous for you, other travellers and crews working on the fire,” Bentham wrote in the fire update.
Highway 1 is currently open with traffic control, but Bentham says it could close with little to no notice.
A fire ban was issued in the Hay River Territorial Park on May 26 by the GNWT, effective through June 7.
“Camp stoves, enclosed barbeques, and propane-fueled cooking and heating devices are permitted for use in NWT Parks,” reads the fire ban, “but they must be placed within regulation fire pits and should not emit a flame more than 0.5 metres in diameter and 0.5 metres in height.”
There are 14 active fires in the territory. 12570 hectares of the area have been affected.
