Fire Weather Advisory for southern NWT as heat wave rolls in

A Fire Weather Advisory has been issued for Dehcho, North Slave and South Slave regions, with sunny and dry conditions forecasted to push temperatures into the low 30s in some areas in the coming week.

“The NWT is seeing a late-season ramp-up of fire weather conditions – with critical fire danger readings expected in many areas from Behchokǫ̀ southward as hot and dry conditions, and periods of elevated winds from the south during the next week,” stated Mike Westwick, NWT Fire information officer.

“Alongside this, has come an uncharacteristic late-season lightning outbreak which may lead to new natural starts in the Sahtu, North Slave, and South Slave regions.”

So what to expect this weekend and into next week?

• Growing activity on fires ZF015 and ZF048 visible from Highway 3 and/or the Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road.
• Periods of reduced visibility are likely – especially from Kilometres 140 to 165 on Highway 3, increasing smoke in Whatì, Behchokǫ̀, and Yellowknife.
• Visible fire and smoke from fire SS014 from Highway 3 and Fort Providence – though no increasing threat to Fort Providence as the prevailing winds would push the fire away.

And what to do to stay safe:

• Know the fire danger in your area before you use the land. If the danger is high or extreme, avoid having fires. Follow any fire bans in place in parks or communities.
• Do everything you can to avoid adding to the fire load by taking common-sense steps to prevent wildfires.
• Plan ahead and know highway conditions before you travel – visit drivenwt.ca. Be prepared to drive with care and slow down due to reduced visibility.

Overnight Friday, there were no new fires. Here is a regional update:

NORTH SLAVE REGION

ZF052-25 (32 kilometres west of Behchokǫ̀, 10 kilometres east of Highway 9): Three crews and helicopters have made significant progress on this wildfire. Crews are using pumps, hose, and hand tools to expose and suppress heat at its edge. Work will continue to secure this fire ahead of conditions becoming less favourable for firefighting. No current threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure.

ZF048 (25 kilometres southwest of Whatì): This wildfire has not grown closer to Whatì since last update. However, we do expect to see increasing fire activity over the coming days as warm, dry conditions and south winds move into the picture. This means there could be northerly growth towards the community. Crews and aircraft are working to protect values on the landscape and looking towards long-term plans for managing the wildfire to protect Whatì. While the fire will be visible, there is not currently any threat to the community.

ZF015 (Most visible between Kilometres 150 to 190 on Highway 3, now includes ZF017): Travellers should expect to see increasing fire activity over the coming days. Crews continue to work to protect cabins and other values on the landscape.

SOUTH SLAVE REGION

SS031 (One kilometre west of the Little Buffalo River, 20 kilometres northwest of Highway 6, 36 kilometres south of Fort Resolution): Three crews and aircraft continue their efforts to contain this wildfire and have made good progress. It is now more than 75% contained.  There are currently no threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure.

SS014 (24 kilometres northwest of Fort Providence): This fire is likely to be visible from Highway 3 at times over the coming days – and may see further growth to the north — away from Fort Providence — under expected southerly winds and hot, dry weather. The community of Fort Providence is not at threat.

DEHCHO REGION

FS009 (East of Fort Liard): Recent rains in the area has kept fire activity quiet. While drying is expected over the coming week, there are no immediate threats to values on Bovie Lake. Structure protection continues to be maintained on cabins in the area. Structure protection equipment is being demobilized from the community of Fort Liard as threat has reduced enough.

FS014 (12.5 kilometres northwest of Jean Marie River, 22 kilometres southeast of Fort Simpson): While some fire activity, primarily within the fire’s existing perimeter, may be visible from Fort Simpson and Jean Marie River, there is no threat to either community at this time. The south end of the fire is now considered to be held, and crews continue to patrol that part of the fire looking for any remaining hotspots. Tthets’éhk’édélı̨ First Nation on Friday lifted the Evacuation Notice for the community.

FS018 (North of Sambaa K’e): Suppression efforts and rain have secured the southern flank of this fire and concern for growth towards the community has alleviated. There are no cabins or infrastructure at threat due to this wildfire at this time.