Ten new fires in past 24 hours, all in southern areas of NWT

The Tthets’éhk’édélı̨ First Nation says fire retardant lines “have been holding up” and the massive Dehcho Region wildfire threatening Jean Marie River has not grown.

But the community of just more than 60 people remains under an Evacuation Alert.

“Today, skies are clear and JMR residents can expect to see increased air traffic, as fire crews continue to be proactive in fighting the fire,” reads a post on the First Nation’s social media, noting smoke can still be in the area.

The First Nations stated it is working with two GNWT departments to be “proactive” in case the situation worsens.

“There is no immediate threat to the community, but being prepared is essential. If an evacuation order is issued, residents will be provided plenty of time to leave,” it stated.

“Please continue to be prepared to evacuate on short notice, by having your essentials packed, your vehicles gassed up and arrangements made for your pets.”

Any crucial updates will continue to be hand delivered to your home and posted on the band office’s Facebook page. Residents with concerns can also call Tammy at 867-875-8558.

Fort Simpson is not considered to be at threat from the Liard Complex (Fires FS009 and FS014).

“Air tankers have been working the south end of Fire FS014 alongside multiple helicopters to reduce southward growth towards Jean Marie River,” stated Shannon Graf, wildfire information officer, Environment and Climate Change.

“Work has been going well with the fire only growing slightly to the south since yesterday. Structure protection is up and ready in Jean Marie River, should it be necessary.”

Structure protection is being maintained at Bovie Lake to protect cabins in the area from Fire FS009 — which has shown “very little activity” in recent days —  to proactively help in the management of the blaze.

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

There remains no threat to communities or infrastructure due to these wildfires at this time.

The extreme heat and intense wildfire smoke has the entire southern half of the NWT continue to be under one or two health warnings.

Regional updates:

DEHCHO REGION

Fire FS018: jumped a creek on the south end and crews continue to work containment and structure protection in the area. There is no threat to Fort Simpson or the ferry landing at this time.

NORTH SLAVE REGION Six new fires

The North Slave is experiencing smoky conditions which can make air attack difficult, stated NWT Fire.

Fire ZF039 (2.5  kilometres east of Rae Lake’s north end) This lightning started fire is three hectares in size. Direct attack on this fire is not possible at this time; indirect attack options are being explored. This fire is currently burning towards a lake which is providing a barrier to Gameti. Residents of Gameti should expect to see smoke.

Fire ZF040 (east of Rae Lake): This lightning started fires is one hectare in size. It is being monitored and are not considered a threat to communities, infrastructure, or cabins in the area.

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Fire ZF041 (37 kilometres southeast of Wekweètì): This lightning-caused fire has been assessed at approximately one hectare in size. There is currently no threat to communities, infrastructure, or cabins as there is a burn area from 2024 which has created a good barrier.

Fire ZF042 (36 kilometres south southwest of Wekweètì): This lightning-caused fire has been assessed at approximately five hectares in size. There is currently no threat to communities, infrastructure, or cabins.

Fire ZF043 (31 kilometres south southeast of Wekweètì near Wecho Lake): This lightning-caused fire has been assessed at approximately 2 hectares in size. There is currently no threat to communities, infrastructure, or cabins.

Fire ZF044 (33 kilometres south southwest of Wekweètì, across Wecho Lake): This lightning-caused fire has been assessed at approximately two hectares in size. There is currently no threat to communities, infrastructure, or cabins.

Fire ZF015 (most visible between Kilometres 150 and 190 on Highway 3): It is expected we will see significant activity on this wildfire throughout this weekend. Crews continue work to maintain structure protection on nearby cabins and are mopping up the area. Smoke and visibility challenges are likely for travellers – drive with caution. ECC is working with the Department of Infrastructure to ensure the highway remains safe to operate on and that crews can work safely.

Fire ZF024 (near Watta, Hearne, Campbell Lakes): Fire activity is expected to pick up throughout this weekend as conditions heat up. Ongoing monitoring of this fire has determined that the area is currently low risk. Crews continue to maintain sprinklers in the area proactively and are working on spot fires within the perimeter. A containment line has been established on the south side of Buckham lake and will also be monitored for fire activity. 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 Four new fires

Fire SS021-25 and Fire SS020-25 (approximately 70 kilometres southwest of Łutselkʼe): These lightning-started fires are each one hectare in size. They are currently being monitored and are not considered a threat to communities, infrastructure, or cabins in the area due to the barrier created by lakes.

Fire SS022-25 (104 kilometres southwest of Łutselkʼe): This lightning-started fire is one hectare in size. It is currently being monitored and is not considered a threat to communities, infrastructure, or cabins in the area due to the barrier created by lakes.

Fire SS023-25 (Fort Providence Dump, 1.5 kilometres west of Fort Providence): This human-caused fire was reported on July 31st. It is currently less than a hectare in size. A crew and Fire tech, with the help of local firefighters and heavy equipment, actioned this fire quickly. This fire is considered to be contained thanks to their quick efforts.

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Fire SS014-25 (24 kilometres northwest of Fort Providence): Crews are continuing to ensure sprinklers are up around nearby structures and are mopping up the area. There is a large smoke column visible in Fort Providence and to travelers on Highway 3. Winds from the east are pushing the fire westward and away from the community.

The community of Fort Providence is not at threat.

 – from a release