Pedzéh Kı̨́/Wrigley ordered emptied as a precaution, says NWT Fire

All remaining residents and some support staff have been asked to evacuate Pedzéh Kı̨́/Wrigley as a precaution, says NWT Fire.

Overnight, the fire perimeter grew approximately two kilometres south-southeast based on satellite detection, stated the latest report.

The priority continues to be securing the south flank from the base of Mount Gaudet to the Pipeline Right of way to the east.

A carefully planned ignition operation — or an intentionally set fire — is being planned to remove forest fuel in a wildfire’s path at the north end of the community.

Structure protection is now complete. Approximately 20,000 feet — or six kilometres — of hose was deployed around values in the community, and 114 sprinklers were also deployed.

No losses of cabins or structures reported or observed at this time.

Resident Jamie Moses posted a short video as he drove out of the community, with the evacuation siren blaring in the background.

“Please calmly make your way to Fort Smith keep checking in with staff and family let people know where you are and what your plans are,” he stated in a post.

“Forestry crews already packed up camp and may move to airport. We just can’t see where the fire is right now, so its imperative we get everyone out, especially since we don’t know where or what the fire is doing and we have north wind coming in.”

Wildfire FS015-26 is estimated at 19, 717 hectares and remains about 11 kilometres north of the remote community of roughly 120 people.

Warm, dry conditions will persist around the fire through Saturday and Sunday, with temperatures reaching above 30°C and humidity dropping to 25 to 35%, creating conditions that could support increased fire activity.

Visibility is variable, but aircraft are in the air providing fire suppression support to crews on the ground.

Heavy equipment is working on clearing fuels at the community’s edge and cleaning up the community fuel break.

Danger tree fallers continue to work with the community in identifying trees for removal around critical infrastructure and homes with approval from the Pehdzeh Kı̨ First Nation.

Meanwhile, Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́/Fort Simpson re-opened to residents Saturday morning at 8 am, following nearly three weeks of being out of home due to massive wildfire FS016.

Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation Chief Kele Antoine stated online, “this is a moment we’ve all been waiting for, and I know everyone is excited to get back to Fort Simpson.”

He continued: “I know there are some concerns about groceries and supplies. The grocery store is open, and while there may be an initial rush as everyone gets home, more trucks with food and supplies will continue arriving to restock the shelves. If everyone remains patient and only purchases what they need, there will be enough for everyone.

“I’ll admit, I was caught a little off guard by yesterday’s announcement, but we all knew that once conditions allowed, re-entry could happen at any moment. I also recognize that the return flight schedule feels rushed for some people. During emergencies like this, it’s very difficult to create a perfect plan that meets everyone’s individual needs. I appreciate the work that has gone into getting our people home safely.”

Wildfire FS016 is 55,403.00 hectares and visibility has improved for aviation resources to be utilized and perform bucketing operations to support ground operations, stated NWT Fire.

Two Helicopters from the Fort Simpson wildfire fleet will be assigned to the Wrigley wildfire to support their incident objectives.

Mop-up operations continue across the eastern flank of the fire and at the site of the 20-hectare excursion.

Crews are working to extinguish remaining hotspots, including deep ash pits and heat trapped underground in tree roots, stumps, and organic soil.

Fort Simpson Volunteer Fire and Ambulance stated that, “after three long weeks away, returning home will bring a mix of relief, excitement, sadness and uncertainty. Every reaction is normal.”

A post from the organization continued: “Over the next week, we will be sharing a series of posts to help you ease back into home life. These posts will cover what you may see, hear, feel and smell, along with other helpful information as our community recovers from the wildfire.

“Our community may look and feel different for a while. But you are not returning alone. Fire crews, community leadership, essential workers and local businesses will continue to support a safe return.

“Take your time, look after one another, stay informed through trusted local updates, and be patient as services and daily routines begin returning to normal.

For the rest of the territory, hot and dry conditions remain across southern NWT, combined with isolated lightning and strong northerly winds developing tonight and continuing Sunday,

This will create elevated wildfire conditions and may increase fire activity before winds ease on Monday.

The biggest concern is the wind shift beginning tonight,” stated Wildfire Information Officer Thomas Bentham.

“These gusty winds are expected to continue through Sunday and could increase fire behaviour on existing fires.”

There is also a risk of isolated thunderstorms, mainly across the southern regions, including the Dehcho, South Slave, North Slave, and Wood Buffalo National Park.

While rainfall will be isolated, lightning could result in new fire starts.

Looking ahead, conditions improve on Monday as winds ease, temperatures moderate into the mid-20s, humidity increases slightly, and little to no shower activity is expected.