Tulip Lake wildfire wilts; South Slave blaze is now ‘being held,’ says NWT Fire

NWT Fire reports the massive Tulip Lake wildfire is now being held.

The 14,083-hectare blaze is 15 kilometres northeast of Fort Fitzgerald, AB, and 28 kilometres east of Fort Smith in the South Slave on the Alberta border.

The ‘being held’ classification “reflects the confidence of firefighters that the fire will not spread beyond the existing containment lines,” says a release on Tuesday morning.

On Monday, there was minimal fire behaviour, despite extreme fire weather conditions.

“Today’s weather remains warm and dry, with the potential for crossover conditions and instability,” stated NWT Fire information officer Thomas Bentham. “Crews are prepared for an initial attack response to any new starts near the fire.”

Firefighters are continuing to monitor the fire on the west side and will use infrared scans to locate hot spots near the perimeter.

They will use water to extinguish these areas and ensure a cold, black perimeter.

Reduced fire activity and the transition to ‘being held’ have allowed teams to begin removing the high-volume sprinkler systems in Fort Smith and Fort Fitzgerald.

NWT Fire is thankful there were no person-caused fires this past weekend.

Here is an update on all active wildfires:

SAHTU REGION

VQ002 (Tu’eyeta area, 92 kilometres south of Fort Good Hope): This lightning-caused fire has been assessed to be approximately 39 hectares in size. There are currently no threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure. This fire is currently being monitored.

VQ003 (31 kilometres northeast of Délı̨nę, 10 kilometres west of Great Bear Lake): This lightning-caused fire has been assessed to be approximately five hectares in size. Tankers were dispatched to do drops to lessen fire activity and crews are on hand to work on this fire.

There are currently no threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure, cabins in the area are being monitored and structure protection will be set up if needed. Residents should expect to see smoke due to winds from the north-northeast.

DEHCHO REGION

Winds will continue to blow smoke from fires elsewhere into the Dehcho.

FS007-25 (18 kilometres northeast of Wrigley, one kilometre north of Hodgson Creek)

This lightning-caused fire is approximately 10 hectares in size. Water drops took place over night and crews along with helicopters are enroute to further action this fire.

There are currently no threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure. Smoke plumes may be visible from Wrigley.