At 8:30 p.m., NWT Fire issued an update on the wildfire in Fort Smith: “The wildfire near Primrose and Carl’s Drive (is now) a status of ‘being held.’ The situation has stabilized, and the risk to structures has been reduced thanks to the aggressive effort from crews, heavy equipment, and air support. The evacuation status has been downgraded to an Evacuation Notice. There is no immediate threat, but residents in the area should remain prepared in case conditions change.
Original story:
An Evacuation Alert has been issued for Fort Smith after a fire, estimated at four hectares in size, is burning on the east side of the town, near Primrose and Carl Drive.
NWT Fire stated in a Saturday evening update that multiple crews from Fort Smith Protective Services and the GNWT “are attacking this fire aggressively assisted by water tenders and a bush truck.”
“Smoke is highly visible in town. Please avoid the area, allow emergency services staff the space to do their work, and listen to any directions or signage on the ground.”
Two helicopters are assigned to make water drops to reduce fire intensity and two bulldozers have been assigned to work to contain the fire.
Structure protection measures are being established to protect homes in the area, though wind conditions are favourable at this time.
Residents should prepare to leave their homes if the situation changes. Follow the Town of Fort Smith on Facebook for more updates on evacuation potential.
Further NWT Fire updates regarding the suspected human-caused wildfire on the Alberta border will be issued as the situation evolves.
This frightening situation for residents will bring back unwelcome memories from the summer of 2023, when the NWT experienced a historic wildfire season, with Fort Smith being particularly affected.
On Friday, NWT Fire stated there is “critical fire weather” in parts of the Dehcho region – Fort Liard, Sambaa K’e, Nahanni Butte, Jean Marie River, Fort Simpson.
Rising fire danger was also forecast across much of South Slave region — Fort Smith, Enterprise, and the NWT/Alberta border.
NWT Fire warned that there could be “real problems” if fire gets on the landscape.
NOTE: The headline of the story has been edited since first posted.
