Massive seven-blaze Liard Complex wildfire gets wet over the weekend

NWT Fire says the eastern regions of the territory will continue to see cooler and windier conditions, whereas the west will become warmer and drier.

“These changes will be particularly evident in the Dehcho region,” stated Thomas Bentham, wildfire information officer with Environment and Climate Change.

“Although fire activity might rise slightly, crews are equipped to manage and limit any potential growth.”

Meanwhile, Bentham’s update noted the Liard Complex (FS009, FS014, FS018, FS025, FS026, FS027, FS028) has received a considerable amount of rain, which is helping firefighting efforts, but warming weather is expected.

“Crews are focused on protecting structures at Bovie Lake and along the highway,” he stated.

“Firefighters and aircraft will be working to limit any growth and extinguish hotspots.”

There is no immediate threat to the Fort Liard or other infrastructure.

More regional updates:

SOUTH SLAVE REGION


NEW – SS016 (377 kilometres northeast of Fort Smith) This fire is estimated to be 30 hectares in size and is currently burning in a remote area. NWT Fire will monitor this naturally caused fire. There is no risk to values, communities or infrastructure.

NEW – SS017 (four kilometres northeast of Jenne Lake, 15 kilometres west of Snowbird Lake) This lightning-caused fire, which is 50 hectares in size, is being monitored by crews. There is no risk to cabins, infrastructure, or communities at this time.

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SS014 (30 kilometres northwest of Fort Providence): This wildfire is 877 hectares in size. It has received a substantial amount of rain over the last couple of days, and the wind has shifted to a northerly flow. There is no threat to cabins, infrastructure, or communities at this time.

DEHCHO REGION


FS007 (18 kilometres northeast of Wrigley, one kilometre north of Hodgson Creek): This fire, about 1,010 hectares in size, poses no risk to the community and will continue to be monitored.

NORTH SLAVE REGION

ZF015-25 (three kilometres west of Highway 3, at Kilometre 168): Fire crews are working to protect in the area when and where it is safe to do so. A lack of available water, safe egress, extreme fire behaviour, and visibility have all hampered the ability to respond in recent days. Cabin owners in the area are encouraged to safely reduce the amount of vegetation immediately around their cabins, clean debris off their roofs, and remove flammable materials and hazardous goods away from the structures.

ZF024 (east of Hearne Lake, near the south end of Campbell Lake): Hearne Lake Lodge and Watta Lake Lodge are no longer at risk from this fire. Crews have demobilized equipment. Crews continue to monitor the fire closely for any potential risk to values in the area.

If you see smoke anywhere in the NWT, call the Wildfire Public Information Line: 867-445-5484.