Wildfire stays clear of Fort Providence homes

The fire threatening Fort Providence has been kept 900 metres from the southeastern edge of the community and within 2.5-kilometres of the fuel break spanning the northern edge of the hamlet.

Winds today were light and variable and winds tomorrow are not expected to caused significant progression towards the community, stated an NWT Fire release on Monday afternoon.

However, the warm, dry day forecast could support increased fire activity and growth to the west of the community.

No homes have been lost. The community remains evacuated.

Dehcho MLA Sheryl Yakeleya posted on Monday night: “A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to the town of Hay River and to the Hay River Reserve for coming together and taking care of the Fort Providence residents. A big ‘thank you’ to Fort Providence Mayor Danny Beaulieu, SAO Susan Christie, the RCMP, the health centre team, and the team of first responders, and firefighters keeping the community safe and secure, and for taking care of people’s dogs. From the reports I am getting all seems to be good in the community as of now.”

NWT Fire: stated that crews and heavy equipment successfully contained “the finger of fire” which approached the southeast corner of the community last night.

Helicopters worked with buckets throughout the day to cool down the fire front and reduce the likelihood of growth towards the community.

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.

Fuel breaks continue to be strengthened by heavy equipment within the community.

Wildland and structural firefighters are ready to patrol for and attack spot fires so long as it is safe to do so should the fire reach the community, stated NWT Fire.

There were no new fires in the NWT overnight.

Regional updates:

NORTH SLAVE REGION


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ZF048 (seven kilometres south of Whatı̀ Airport): The community of Whatı̀ remains under an Evacuation Order. This fire remains seven kilometres south of Whatı̀ Airport. Today was a “mild burning day” and wildfire crews were successful in completing an ignition operation south of Lac La Martre. Structure protection remains in place. There remains a risk to the community of Whatı̀ until the perimeter of the ignition line is fully assessed and secured.

Shaun Moose Moosenose posted on Sunday: “For the safety of the public we advise no one return to Whatı̀ until it’s all cleared. Yes, the sky has opened and smoke has cleared, but that does not mean the fire is out. We are still on alert, everyone will be notified once it’s OK to return home. We don’t need unnecessary posts about asking people to return; we have much going on and the last thing we need is people to return home and fire gets out of control. Please stay where you are in the meantime, we are trying our best. Masi Cho!”

Behchokǫ̀ Chief Bertha Rabesca Zoe posted this Monday night: “What a weekend! Made sure as host here in Behchokǫ̀ all was well before I left to Yellowknife. Came back on Saturday to pick up a load of stuff. Then came back on Sunday to attend mass and check up on the evacuees. Went to visit the evacuees at the (Yellowknife) Fieldhouse today. As Chiefs we’ve been meeting each day and we got the full briefing and update. We’ve been fully supporting (Whatı̀) Chief Charlie (Nitsiza) as he helps his community through this difficult time. Behchoko and Yellowknife has been through this in 2023, so we are able to assist. Came home exhausted. Let’s take this one day at a time and ask our Creator to watch over everyone. Stay safe, protect and love each other. Masi.”

ZF052 (27 kilometres west of Edzo, 10 kilometres east of Hwy 9): This fire remains at about Edzo is not currently at risk and crews are monitoring it.

ZF024 (Near Hearne, Buckham, Watta Lakes): Crews are mopping up the area close to Blachford Lake Lodge. At the closest point, it is less than one kilometres from the lodge. Crews are setting up sprinklers to protect structures.

ZF015 (most visible between Kilometres 140 and 160 on Highway 3): Travellers may see intense fire activity. Crews continue to work to protect cabins and other values on the landscape.

ZF013 (Near Rae Rock mine): This fire was 100 metres away from Snare Hydo facilities and structures, but wildfire crews managed to knock it down.

DEHCHO REGION 


FS014 (15 kilometres northwest of Jean Marie River): The community remains under an Evacuation Notice. Winds eased today, coming from the southeast, maybe causing some growth to the west, away from Jean Marie River. Jean Marie River is not at imminent threat due to this wildfire. However, with its proximity to the community, there remains concern for future growth.

SAHTU REGION 



VQ018 (35 kilometres north of Délı̨nę and 15 kilometres west of Russell Bay): Crews have set up structure protection around cabins on the west coast of Great Bear Lake that could potentially be impacted by this fire. It is not expected to threaten the community of Délı̨nę.