NWT Fire reports 13K lightning strikes as cold front passes through

As the cold front moved through the North Slave, South Slave, and Dehcho regions, some areas saw localized downpours, while others did not receive much rain.

Approximately 13,000 lightning strikes were recorded during the passage — detection efforts will continue to catch new fires small, stated NWT Fire’s latest Saturday update.

Relative humidity — the level of moisture in the air — may support increased fire activity in parts of the North Slave and Dehcho regions which did not receive meaningful rainfall.

Of note:

• Antoine Lake Complex (FS014/FS016): With relative humidities dropping into the 30% zone, fire activity should be expected within the fire’s inner perimeter, or moving away from Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́/Fort Simpson. Residents and travellers in the area should expect to continue to see this sort of activity throughout the summer. However, there are no threats to the community. Infrared scanning indicates that the number of hotspots has been reduced to 15 thanks to the aggressive efforts by firefighters to seek and remove remaining heat, says NWT Fire.
• Regarding FS014, towards Checkpoint, heavy equipment and crews continue work to contain perimeter to the north and south of Highway 1 to prevent further growth. Structure protection is maintained on priority values in the area as a precaution.
• FS015 – Pedzéh Kı̨́/Wrigley: This fire continues to show low activity and mop-up work on the southern perimeter continues to move ahead with good progress, says NWT Fire. Demobilization of equipment will continue. Be aware that helicopters and crews will continue to work to secure the southern perimeter along Hodgson Creek and demobilize gear.
• Fires east of Fort Simpson on far side of Mackenzie River (FS035, FS036, FS026): Parts of these fires are showing increased activity, growing slightly towards the river under northerly winds. Cabins and other values on the landscape are being continuously assessed for protection, with additional assessments occurring today, and crews will deploy sprinklers and prep sites as necessary to prevent structure loss. No threats to communities or infrastructure.
• Cluster of fires north and south of Délı̨nę (VQ071,VQ066, VQ065, VQ078): Crews detected some hotspots on fires VQ066 and VQ071. They are working to tackle these hotspots as they cold trail the fire and demobilize equipment. Equipment demobilization is progressing on the other fires. There are no threats expected to Délı̨nę.
• ZF028 is located 28 kilometres north of Behchokǫ̀, on the north side of Marian Lake. Northerly winds may challenge containment efforts today. Wildfire crews are working to hold containment lines through this challenge. Focus remains on holding ground gained through the successful ignition operation and structure protection as-required. No threats to communities, cabins, or infrastructure at this time.
• ZF037 is located 19 kilometres east of Gordon Lake. This massive blaze is currently 50,500 hectares. Structure protection work continues on lodges and cabins in the area, with systems being tested, site preparation work (i.e. removal of combustibles, poly wrapping exposed undersides of structures) reinforced, and additional values being assessed for protection to maintain a long-term plan on this fire. No threats to communities or infrastructure at this time.

Report new fires: Note your location when you see one and call 1-877-NWT-FIRE (698-3473)