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Dozens of Tłı̨chǫ canoeists evacuated from wildfire by helicopter on weekend
Forty-two of 160 participants in annual Trails of Our Ancestors journey paddled to safety, awaited evacuation, says Tłı̨chǫ Government
One group of canoeists in the annual Trails of Our Ancestors journey had to be flown to safety after encountering a wildfire early Sunday morning, says the Tłı̨chǫ Government.
Trails of Our Ancestors is one of the most popular summer programs offered through the Tłı̨chǫ Government, with a record-breaking number of applications this year — the 25th anniversary of the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement —resulting in 28 canoes and over 160 paddlers taking part.
The Gamètì group, with seven canoes and 42 paddlers, came across a wildfire in the early hours of August 3rd.
The group quickly gathered what they could and paddled north to safety, where they awaited evacuation, stated the Tłı̨chǫ Government’s post.
Some were able to return to Gamètì before smoke conditions worsened.
Others were flown to the Edzo airport and transported to Behchokǫ̀.
Participants are now staying with family or friends in Behchokǫ̀ and Yellowknife, while a few are in hotels until it is safe to return home.
“Masì to Great Slave Helicopters and Acasta Helicopters for ensuring all 42 participants were safely evacuated,” stated the post.
“We know this sudden turn of events may have been difficult, and we’re proud of the strength and calm shown by the Gamètì group.”
Eleven canoes with 66 paddlers departed from Wekweètì on July 28 and they are doing well, though a couple of days behind schedule due to low water levels.
The Whatì paddlers are scheduled to depart Monday, August 4. The program continues, with regular monitoring of conditions to ensure everyone’s safety.
Fire ZF039 is 500 hectares in size and located 2.5-kilometres east of Rae Lake’s north end.
“After reviewing indirect attack options, it was determined that a planned ignition operation would be helpful in establishing a control line between this fire and Gamètì,” stated Shannon Graf, wildfire information officer, Environment and Climate Change.
“The planned ignition went forward on Saturday and is reported to have gone well in establishing a fuel break for the community.”
The fire is currently burning to the northwest due to south easterly winds.
In the same region, Fire ZF047 is 10.5 -kilometres west of Wecho lake, 24.5-kilometres south of Wekweètì.
The lightning caused fire is 10 hectares in size and is being monitored and is not a threat to communities, infrastructure, or cabins at this time.
There have been three new fires in the past 24 hours.
DEHCHO REGION
FS009 (East of Fort Liard): Structure protection being maintained at Bovie Lake to protect cabins in the area and has been set up on critical infrastructure to proactively help in the management of this fire. This fire continues to show very little activity. There remains no threat to communities or infrastructure due to these wildfires at this time.
FS014 (12.5-kilometres northwest of Jean Marie River, 22 kilometres southeast of Fort Simpson): Today’s assessment of the fire showed no meaningful movement. The moisture received in the area means there has been no change to threat assessment to Jean Marie River. Even with the strong northwesterly winds expected tomorrow we expect the moisture will continue to aid efforts in fighting this fire. Fort Simpson is not considered at threat by this fire.
SOUTH SLAVE REGION
SS014 (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 travellers on Highway 3. The smoke column looks much closer than it is. The community of Fort Providence is not at threat — there are swamps and other barriers to fire spread to the south.
NORTH SLAVE REGION
ZF015 (most visible between kilometres 150-190 on Highway 3): Crews continue work to maintain structure protection on nearby cabins. Smoke and visibility challenges are likely for travellers — drive with caution.
ZF024 (near Watta, Hearne, Campbell lakes): 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. The lines continue to hold on this fire.
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- The Gamètì canoeists of the three groups had to be evacuated from a wildfire on August 3rd. (Image: Tłı̨chǫ Government/Facebook)
