Jean Marie River under Evacuation Alert, fire sits 14kms from community

Tthets’éhk’édélı̨ First Nation again this month has alerted residents of Jean Marie River to be prepared in case they have to evacuate quickly due to wildfire activity in the area.

This notice came early Sunday, as NWT Fire warned of a “potential for threat” to the community over the next 48 hours.

NWT Fire stated that fire FS014 had advanced four kilometres since a very windy Saturday.

The “vigorous growth,” slowing by late afternoon Sunday at a point 14 kilometres outside of the community of just 63 residents.

As of early evening, the fire had not “meaningfully grown closer towards the community,” stated Mike Westwick, wildfire information officer with Environment and Climate Change.

“Large air tankers and skimmers have been working the southern flank of the fire to slow its growth throughout the day — using retardant to slow forward progress, and water to reduce its intensity.”

In addition:

• Helicopters are making bucket drops to hit hotspots and reduce fire intensity.
• Wildfire crews are attacking the southern flank as they are safely able.
• A structure protection team is being mobilized to the community of Jean Marie River to setup sprinklers to protect structures within the community.

Westwick stated tomorrow’s forecast has winds shifting south to southeast, “which would push the fire back on itself and provide an opportunity to get good work done.”

Fire FS014 was sparked by lightning on June 27.

A five-day Evacuation Alert started on July 8th, when the blaze was 24 kilometres away.

The next step would be an Evacuation Order, if ordered by the band council.

The band office asks anyone who plans to drive out — if the situation gets worse — should fill their fuel tanks.

A wide area of the Dehcho Region was under an Air Quality Advisory on Sunday and into the evening. Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility, until winds shift overnight into Monday.

Environment Canada warns that during heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status. Limit time outdoors. Reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities and events.

It’s that same thick smoke that has caused visibility issues for firefighting crews accessing this wildfire over the last three to five days.

Regional updates; no new fires in the past 24 hours:

NORTH SLAVE REGION

ZF015-25 (most visible between Kilometres 150-190 on Highway 3): While fire activity has quieted down for now, “significant activity” is expected between Monday and Wednesday. Crews continue work to maintain structure protection on cabins in the area.

SOUTH SLAVE REGION

SS019 (three kilometres north of Rutledge Lake): Crews have successfully completed small scale ignitions to protect a lodge near Rutledge Lake. No further threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure.

SS014 (27 kilometres northwest of Fort Providence): Crews continue work on the northwest flank to prevent growth towards cabins in the area. The community of Fort Providence is not at threat — there are swamps and other barriers to fire spread to the south. There are no threats to communities or infrastructure due to this wildfire at this time.