NWT Fire says work ‘going according to plan’ to protect Jean Marie River

An ignition operation is underway to the south of the Liard Complex (Fire FS014), says NWT Fire.

“Operations are currently going according to plan,” stated Mike Westwick, wildfire information officer, Environment and Climate Change.

“With southerly winds, the intention is for the ignition to push north to the main fire, burn off vegetation in its path, and head off the fire’s southward growth to protect Jean Marie River. No threat to Fort Simpson or the (M.V. Lafferty) Ferry at this time.”

The wildfire has not advanced meaningfully towards Jean Marie River, remaining about 14 kilometres to the northwest.

Threats of encroachment in Jean Marie River over the next 48 hours have lessened due to a shift to more southerly winds.

But proximity of the fire to the community remains a concern for NWT Fire.

A multi-year drought in the area means there is a lot of fuel available, deep burning, and major wildfire suppression challenges, stated Westwick.

Jean Marie River remains under an Evacuation Alert. The entire Dehcho Region is being warned about excessive heat and cautioned for to take measures against the intense wildfire smoke found in areas at times.

The Liard Complex (Fire FS009), to the east of Fort Liard, continues to show very little activity, read the release.

“Throughout this week, we do expect to see activity pick up as temperatures reach highs between 25 to 30 degrees and the area begins to dry out,” stated Westwick.

Crews continue to maintain structure protection along the Liard Highway, and on critical infrastructure within the community of Fort Liard.

The Incident Management Team continues to seek opportunities for ignition operations to ensure long-term protections for the community of Fort Liard.

Further, The Village of Fort Simpson is not at threat now, “or in the near-term,” stated NWT Fire.

And to counter online rumours, Westwick stated:

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“The Village of Fort Simpson and Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation are: Highly engaged and are being kept informed during the response to this wildfire.

“if there were a change in threat levels due to the wildfire, we would communicate that promptly to assist in executing any emergency plans.”

In other regions:

NORTH SLAVE REGION 


ZF038 (at the Edzo Airport): This wildfire was caught quickly after a public report and brought under control between last night and today thanks to fast action by crews. There are no threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure.

ZF015 (most visible between Kilometres 150-190 on Highway 3): It is expected we will see significant activity on this wildfire throughout this week as conditions heat up. Crews continue work to maintain structure protection on cabins in the area. Smoke and visibility challenges are likely for travellers — drive with caution, follow directions from any GNWT personnel in the area, and be aware that wildfire crews and water tenders are working to protect cabins along the highway — so be especially careful and considerate to keep our people safe.

ZF024 (near Watta, Hearne, Campbell Lakes): Fire activity is expected to pick up throughout this week as conditions heat up. Lodges at Hearne and Watta Lake are not at threat due to this wildfire. Crews continue to maintain sprinklers in the area proactively and are looking for any additional hotspots nearby structures to avoid flare-ups. Additional lodges and values on the land are being assessed and protected with sprinklers as required to prepare for the long-term management of this wildfire.

SOUTH SLAVE REGION 


SS014 (27 kilometres northwest of Fort Providence): Under rapidly increasing fire activity, crews have pulled back and are running sprinklers at nearby values to the northwest of the fire to protect them. There is a large smoke column visible in Fort Providence and to travelers on Highway 3. However, the winds are pushing the fire away from the community. The smoke column looks much closer than it is — the fire remains about 27 kilometres northwest of Fort Providence. 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.

NWT Fire had some more information for residents near the major Dehcho Region blaze:

“There are posts on social media suggesting threats to the Village of Fort Simpson. This is not correct. Here is some additional information as it relates to Fort Simpson.

• The Village of Fort Simpson is not at threat due to this wildfire at this time. We do not expect it will be in the near-term.
• We reassess the potential for threats multiple times daily based on forecast and observed weather and fire behaviour.
• While the fire is 17 kilometres to the southeast of the ferry landing at its most active flank, there is not assessed to be a threat to the ferry landing or highway access at this time.
• We do not expect the fire to come within 10 kilometres of either during the burning period today, and would not expect it to reach the area.
• Tomorrow, winds are expected to shift to the southwest. This could see fire move to the north and east, rather than the north and west as today’s south to south east winds are pushing the fire.

The 700-metre wide Liard River, and with all the wetter, grassy areas on its banks, do offer meaningful protection against wildfires.

Smoke impacts in those areas of the Dehcho will be a reality through Friday this week under the southerly component winds, which will push smoke towards the Village.

If you see fire, call: 1-877-698-3473.

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