NWT Fire says high-volume sprinkler systems are being installed in Fort Fitzgerald and Fort Smith, along with other structure protection efforts, as crews respond to the Tulip Lake fire (SS009).
As of Thursday afternoon, the fire has grown to 13,183 hectares and “continues to show increased activity on the north and west sides due to gusting winds,” according to NWT Fire.
The fire remains 28 kilometres east of Fort Smith and 15 kilometres northeast of Fort Fitzgerald.
Wildfire crews, supported by airtankers and helicopters, are working to secure containment lines on the fire’s west side to prevent it from spreading toward the communities.
“Thermal imagery scans overnight showed that crews have had success in extinguishing hotspots,” said NWT Fire.
Despite smoky conditions making it difficult for ground crews to set up structure protection, work has been completed on buildings on both sides of the fire.
There are currently no evacuation notices, alerts, or orders in place for this fire.
Meanwhile, a new lightning-caused wildfire was discovered on June 4, located 12 kilometres southeast of Blatchford Lake Lodge and five kilometres from the north shore of Great Slave Lake. It is estimated at four hectares as of Thursday.
Crews and aircraft are working to contain the fire, and structure protection will be set up for cabins in the area if needed.
As of today, there are nine active wildfires across the territory, affecting more than 26,000 hectares of land.
