May 2024 Page 3 of 5

Environment, Featured, News, Weather, Wildfires May 17, 2024

Dehcho, South Slave fires held back by rain, helicopters and water bombers

UPDATE: Long-weekend campers need to heed regional open flame restrictions; South Slave ban ends at midnight

Favourable winds and rain have stopped the advance of major wildfires in southern areas of the Northwest Territories, allowing firefighters to make progress in battling the mid-spring blazes. With the largest fire, southwest of Fort Liard (FS002), about three millimetres of rain fell unevenly in the community since yesterday, NWT…

Aurora College board chair Joe Handley, centre, at a NWT Assembly committee hearing last year. (CKLB files)

Education, Featured, Housing, News May 16, 2024

High-school grads ‘led to believe’ diploma will open post-secondary doors, says Aurora College chair

“They go into different post-secondary schools and (told) they’re not qualified. That’s a real, real hard thing to see.” – Mackenzie Delta MLA George Nerysoo. “It costs (the GNWT) a lot of time and money to prepare students who come out with a Grade 12 (diploma). But it’s not really…

Community, Featured, News, Wildfires May 15, 2024

Fear looms over Jean Marie River as wildfire season intensifies, says SAO

“Not being able to get out is the biggest fear that we heard,” says Tammy Neal, Jean Marie River’s SAO, at a public meeting. Out of roughly 85 residents, 22 members of Jean Marie River gathered earlier this week to discuss the community’s plan for another wildfire season. With new fires…

Environment, Featured, News, Transportation, Wildfires May 15, 2024

Three days of ‘more favourable winds’ will help battle Fort Liard blaze, says NWT Fire

UPDATE: In separate blaze, NWT Fire confirms two structures lost along Hwy 1 and more properties are at risk

Some promising news for people in the Dehcho region, as a shift in winds today will push the uncontained blaze back on itself and away from people or structures, stated an NWT Fire update. Mike Westwick is the NWT Fire spokesperson for the 873-hectare Fort Liard blaze (FS002). “Today, winds…

Environment, Featured, News, Wildfires May 14, 2024

More money, easier access in ‘very simple’ new wildfire relief program, says premier

Last summer’s poorly received evacuee relief programs will be simplified and enhanced, Premier R.J. Simpson said today. The new Emergency Evacuation Relief Program will provide a one-time payment of $800 for residents 18 years and older, and $400 for each dependent under the age of 18 per evacuation event. “So…

Featured, News, Wildfires May 14, 2024

Wildfire not advanced on Fort Liard as of Tuesday morning

Wildfire No. FS002 southwest of Fort Liard remains out of control, but heavy winds Monday did not advance it closer towards the community. Lighter winds today are still seen as significant and could continue to put pressure on efforts to prevent the fire from crossing to the east shores of…

Featured, News, Wildfires May 13, 2024

Fort Liard wildfire doubles in size overnight

The South Slave region is under a fire ban effectively until May 17

The fire (FS002) located 19 kilometers southwest of Fort Liard has grown from 352 hectares to 639 hectares. It has nearly doubled in size since yesterday. N.W.T. Fire warns that higher winds this afternoon may intensify the fire west of the Liard River, potentially spreading northward and posing challenges to…

Featured, News, Police May 13, 2024

RCMP in search of a missing man near Behchokǫ̀

Ralph Beaulieu was reported overdue for a scheduled pickup

Behchokǫ̀ RCMP is searching for 54-year-old Ralph Beaulieu. He was reported missing after failing to arrive for a scheduled pickup at his cabin. Beaulieu is described as being 5 feet 7 inches tall with grey hair and brown eyes. Beaulieu was last known to be at a cabin located 40…

Community, Featured, News May 13, 2024

Wildfire puts Fort Liard on high alert

A fire located 19 km outside Fort Liard was deemed ‘out of control’ on Sunday. A total of five fire crews, three helicopters and two protection units have since been deployed to contain it. The fire (FS002) is approximately 352 hectares in size, according to N.W.T Fire. Today’s forecast calls…

Environment, Featured, Wildfires May 10, 2024

Fort Liard faces wildfire threat, evacuation notice issued

Highway 7 at NWT and BC boarder has closed due to two active wildfires

An evacuation notice has been issued for Fort Liard this afternoon due to an overwinter fire 22 kilometres southwest. The notice states there is an increased risk to the community due to wildfire, and residents are advised to keep vehicles fueled and prepare an emergency kit. Firefighters are setting up…