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It’s hot and very smoky in wildfire whipped southern NWT
Environment Canada warns of poor air quality and reduced visibility; NWT Fire says 'avoid using any unnecessary open flame unless it’s necessary for survival.'
The choking wildfire smoke blanketing most of southern NWT will remain for the short-term, with some areas in the North Slave Region to get partial relief by tonight.
Environment Canada’s Air Quality Statement warns of poor air quality and reduced visibility at times.
And a heat warning is in effect for parts of the Dehcho and South Slave regions, prompting NWT Fire to express concern over the tinderbox conditions.
“All regions are expected to experience a sharp increase in fire danger continuing through the week,” NWT Fire stated online today.
Temperatures could reach up to 30 degrees in the South Slave and Dehcho – far above seasonal in the North Slave, Beaufort Delta, and Sahtú.
Active fires in the North Slave and Dehcho regions may see significant growth – primarily to the north under southerly component winds – and extreme fire behaviour.
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“Lightning may enter the picture in the Beaufort Delta, Sahtú, and Dehcho – meaning the potential for new starts,” stated NWT Fire.
“Avoid using any unnecessary open flame unless it’s necessary for survival. There are many fires on the landscape, and more natural starts are possible. Please don’t add unnecessary fires to the load.
There are no updates about the major wildfires in the Dehcho Region, but Jean Marie River remains on an Evacuation Alert.
FS014 threatening Jean Marie River remains roughly at 14km northwest of the community. It is 21 kilometres east of Fort Simpson, on far side of Liard River.
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- An orange-coloured haze from wildfires Wednesday evening over Yellowknife as seen looking east over Yellowknife Bay. Environment Canada had a caution for air quality extending into Thursday afternoon. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
