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Fire reaches southeast edge of Fort Providence
No losses of homes as of 1:15 am; some essential workers evacuated, firefighters remain, says NWT Fire
Fort Providence Fire SS014 was within one kilometre of Fort Providence, approaching at southeast edge of community near the community nuisance grounds, says NWT Fire.
Northeasterly winds dominated the fire since 6 pm, with gusts reaching as high as 25 km/h and sustaining between 10-15 km/h.
The level of moisture in the air remains lower than would typically be expected overnight – meaning greater wildfire behaviour potential.
The fire had not reached the community as of this update.
However, it continues to approach the community’s southeast edge showing moderately to highly vigorous surface fire to torching (occasional burning through the tops of trees) fire behaviour, stated NWT Fire’s release.
There have been no losses of homes reported at this time.
Some essential workers are being evacuated. However, firefighters remain in the community.
Actions:
- Structure protection specialists continue to run water cannons and sprinklers to create a wet line within the community and protect structures at threat due to this wildfire.
- Firefighters are wetting down the forest around the access road to prevent forward spread should the fire reach these fuels.
- Wildland and structural firefighters will patrol for and attack spot fires so long as it is safe to do so should the fire reach the community.
- Structural firefighters from Hay River and Fort Providence are prepared to fight structure fires should they occur so long as it is safe.
- Heavy equipment attempted to head off the advancing fire front but the fire overwhelmed these efforts.
- Fire guards have been strengthened by heavy equipment.
- An Incident Management Team is coordinating action on this wildfire.
- Aircraft will make water drops to reduce the fire’s intensity whenever it is safe to do so, but visibility issues are making most aerial firefighting unsafe.
