Firefighters battle second trail camp fire in Yellowknife

There are regional fire bans in place for the Dehcho, North Slave and South Slave


Crews at the Little Buffalo River Complex. (Photo by NWT Fire)

Municipal firefighters are investigating another human caused fire in Yellowknife.

A wooden tent platform for unregistered camping near the NWT Legislative Assembly was burned in the blaze, reported Cabin Radio.

Responding firefighters required streets to be closed and bus service through Niven neighbourhood was re-directed.

Amy E. Kennedy is a wildfire information officer.

“As this heatwave moves through the NWT, all residents must stay vigilant and do what they can to prevent person-caused wildfires,” she stated in a release.

The first trail camp fire was Friday.

There are regional fire bans in place for the Dehcho, North Slave and South Slave. This means no open fires, no fireworks, etc. Only propane or briquette BBQs and stoves.

Crews at the Little Buffalo River Complex. (Photo courtesy of NWT Fire)

Here are some wildfire updates as of this evening:

SS040-SS042 (Little Buffalo River Complex): NWT Fire stated: “Great work was completed by ground crews and air support over the past week. Both fires are now contained.”

ZF034 (Gordon Lake area, 80km northeast of Yellowknife): Measuring five hectares. Cabin owners two kilometres from fire have been notified and growth is being monitored.

ZF027 (southwest shore of Lac La Martre, 20km north of Whati): This fire is being held and is about 30-per-cent contained, currently sitting at 20 hectares. Another crew will arrive today to assist the three crews. It is not threatening communities, cabins, or infrastructure at this time.

SS052 & SS053 (40 kilometers east of Fort Resolution): These lightning-caused fires measures six hectares and one hectare in size respectively. A crew is actioning SS052 and monitoring the area for further flareups and smoke.

SS040 & SS042 (Little Buffalo River Complex): Both fires are now contained, but not completely out.

Structural protection at the Little Buffalo River Village has been completed.

There is still a risk to cabins, camps and infrastructure in the Little Buffalo River area.

About the Author

James O'Connor
James O’Connor joined CKLB 101.9 FM at the start of 2024, after working as a journalist, photo editor and managing editor at newspapers in Manitoba and the Northwest Territories. James also has experience in politics, arts, service clubs and the NWT’s non-profit sector. At this point in his lengthy career, James is thrilled to be working at such a unique media outlet and always welcomes notes from listeners at: james.oconnor@cklbradio.com.