A person-caused fire on a small island near Mackenzie Island on Great Slave Lake “had the potential to spread quickly,” but was snuffed out by crews over the weekend, says NWT Fire.
Shannon Graf is a wildfire information officer with the territorial government.
“Fire ZF043 … was quickly actioned by a crew and declared out. It was within one kilometre of many cabins and had the potential to spread quickly,” she stated in a release.
“Always stir, soak, stir and don’t leave your campfire until you can comfortably hold your hand over it. Person-caused fires are 100-per-cent avoidable.”
Some other new wildfires in the North Slave region might be producing smoke that can be seen from Highway 3, but are not posing immediate threats to the community, cabins or infrastructure.
NWT Fire has sent Raelene Lamalice, left, resource unit leader, Mike Westwick, information officer and Izzy Heron, personnel time recorder, to help fire-fighting efforts in Oregon. (Photo courtesy of NWT Fire)
Fire ZF045 is approximately 20 kilometres west-northwest of Yellowknife. It was started by lightning and is currently one hectare in size. Crews are actively working on this deep burning fire.
Fire ZF044 is nine kilometres north of Behchoko. This lightning caused fire is approximately two hectares in size. The GNWT’s Air Tractor 802s worked on it over the weekend.
Fires ZF016 and ZF019, more than 20 kilometres southwest of Wekweeti, have merged. The fires did receive some rain and there is no immediate threat to cabins or infrastructure.
In the South Slave, fire SS063 southwest of Firedrake Lake is being monitored. Fire SS021, 49 kilometres north of Fort Smith airport and 19 kilometres east of Slave River, has been declared out.
Meanwhile, though the NWT is still in drought conditions, the wildfire situation has improved so much, the GNWT can repay some earlier help and send crews and other resources to help with efforts in Alberta and Oregon.
NWT Fire also offered condolences to the family, friends and coworkers of the 24-year-old Calgary firefighter who lost his life after being hit by a falling tree while the devastated Jasper area on Saturday, August 3.
“Front-line firefighting personnel face daily dangers while working hard to protect people, communities and the things we value,” stated the organization.
“This sad loss is a reminder of the dedication and bravery shown by these amazing people.”
Alberta Wildfire members line the road to pay their respects to their colleague, a 24-year-old Calgary man who was killed by a falling tree northeast of Jasper on August 3. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Peter Grieves / Canadian Army/Facebook)
