Visibility on Highway 3 and the Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road could be reduced due to wildfire smoke — from two fires NWT Fire is aware of.
“Our team is actioning high priority fires in the North Slave closer to communities and other values and will reassess response to these wildfires as we continue to address the numerous new lightning starts,” stated Mike Westwick, wildfire information officer, in a release.
“Please avoid calling in these fires – we are aware of them, and our operations team is getting overwhelmed by call volume.”
He is referring to wildfires ZF015 and Z016, in the Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary, (which could also have raised motorists’s concern levels).
Meanwhile, fire ZF017 is 20 kilometres west of the Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road.
“It appears closer than it is to travellers,” stated Westwick. “Smoke may impact visibility due to this fire, as well as other fires further south.
“This fire is not likely to reach the Highway in the coming 24 hours, and is not threatening cabins, communities, or infrastructure otherwise.”
There are 12 new fires since yesterday, which saw 18 fresh lightning sparked blazes from the previous 24-hour period.
There are 65 active wildfires, 51 categorized as ‘out of control.’
Regional wildfire updates:
DEHCHO REGION
There are 16 active fires, with the Liard Complex (FS002, FS006, FS009) the most serious: Aggressive air attack continues on fire FS009 to reduce its southern and western growth and reduce fire intensity to allow crews to get work done. Sprinkler protection continues across all fires in the complex.
SOUTH SLAVE REGION
There are three active fires, with no current threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure.
NORTH SLAVE REGION
There are 15 active fires (see above for info on four), with no current threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure.
SAHTU REGION
There is one active fire, with no current threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure.
BEAUFORT DELTA REGION
There are 22 active fires, with no current threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure.
UPDATES AS NEEDED TO FOLLOW