Featured
Some weekend rain helps wildfire fight across channel from Behchokǫ̀
Wildfire crews completed 50% of a planned ignition north of Russel Channel on Friday; no threat to communities or infrastructure at this time
With lightning strikes hitting the western part of the North Slave region last night, crews will do an assessment of the area around Behchokǫ̀, says NWT Fire.
Wildfire crews completed 50% of a planned ignition north of Russel Channel on Friday to remove fuel for wildfire ZF028 13 kilometres North of Behchokǫ̀.
“The operations team will look for future opportunities to complete this ignition when conditions are favourable,” stated Dana Bowen, wildfire information officer.
Behchokǫ̀ received about seven millimetres of rain Saturday evening, “which may have helped slow the fire,” added Bowen, noting there is no threat to communities or infrastructure at this time.
Wildfire ZF028 was sparked by lightning on July 3rd, and has consumed 47,000 hectares on the north and east side of Marian Lake.
Stated Bowen: “With over 200 active fires still in the territory, it is not time to be complacent. Please stay aware of the wildfire situation in your area and always thoroughly extinguish your campfires before leaving the spot.”
There have been 284 total fires so far this season, burning 1,569,311 hectares.
Active fires of note:
DEHCHO REGION:
FS020 (East of Little Doctor Lake and Cli Lake): This lightning-caused fire has grown to 11,535 hectares. Crews are setting up structure protection on cabins in the area as a precaution. There is no threat to cabins, infrastructure or communities at this time.
FS023 – (East of Poplar River): The focus is structure protection, with crews deploying sprinklers and preparing sites to manage this fire for the remainder of the summer. Smoke may be visible to travellers along Highway 7. No threats to communities or infrastructure due to this fire at this time.
Antoine Lake Complex – Fort Simpson (FS014/FS016): Structure protections are being set up near parts of the highway as a precaution. FS014 moved closer toward kilometre 428 of the highway overnight, due to winds. Wildfire crews will be actioning the fire in that area immediately, so please be aware when using the highway. Crews are continuing to action hotspots as they pop up. Values at risk are being maintained, with structure protection run as needed. Residents and travellers should expect fire activity within the fire perimeters. However, there are no threats to Fort Simpson.
FS035, FS036, FS026 – (Fires east of Fort Simpson on far side of Mackenzie River): Smoke from these fires may impact Fort Simpson. Crews are continuously assessing cabins and other landscape values for protection. Crews will deploy sprinklers and prep sites as necessary to prevent structure loss. On FS036, structure protection on values along the river continues to be run as needed. No threats to communities or infrastructure.
