(1/4) WILDFIRE UPDATE – May 12, 2023. One new grass fire reported today in Kátł'odeeche First Nation Reserve. It was actioned quickly and has been declared out.
Conditions across the territory remain hot and dry, with winds continuing in the Dehcho, South Slave and North Slave.
(2/4) The chance of lightning increases risk under extreme fire behaviour conditions.
Find fire danger in your region using the map here: ecc.gov.nt.ca/en/services/wi…
(3/4) Unattended campfires are the cause of many human-caused forest fires especially in these hot, dry conditions. Make sure your fire is completely out before leaving the area using the SOAK-STIR-SOAK method.
(1/5) UPDATE: Kátł'odeeche First Nation/Hay River Fire (12:35am) This fire is highly likely to have breached the Kátł'odeeche First Nation Reserve and has jumped the river to the west in Hay River. Reports from community that fire has spread to Vale Island near the graveyard.
(2/5) It is likely this was caused by embers from the fire being carried by winds from the east which challenged firefighters yesterday.
Damage to structures is highly likely. The extent of damage will not be able to be definitively assessed immediately.
(4/6) Wildfire teams will assess the situation and determine strategies to protect the communities as best as is possible - with resident and firefighter safety as priorities.
With low visibility and unsafe conditions, firefighters were forced to pull back last night.
(1/5) UPDATE - Kátł'odeeche First Nation Reserve Fire Update (May 14, 8:40pm) – Our team of 4 crews, assisted by aircraft and equipment worked tirelessly today to limit spread towards the community and have made progress.
(2/5) Bucketing by helicopters and air tankers drops have been effective in reducing intensity, and work is still needed to continue to bring this fire under control.
Control lines have been built around about 30% of the fire.
(3/5) Control lines are areas where burnable material has been removed from the ground or enough water has been put down to eliminate any embers along the perimeter to assist in limiting growth and provide space where firefighting operations to occur.
(1/5)Kátł'odeeche First Nation Reserve Fire Update: This morning, a suspected person-caused fire was confirmed near Portage Beach.
It has grown from 1 hectare at discovery to 15 hectares in size at last assessment and is within 2 kilometres of the Reserve.
(2/5)Severe fire behaviour is being caused by strong wings. Currently west winds are pushing the fire and smoke away from the community, however later in the day it is expected that northern and easterly winds will direct the fire and smoke towards the community.
(3/5) Our team is working tirelessly to limit spread towards the community. We currently have multiple crews, aircraft and heavy equipment working on this. Mechanical issues in transit have delayed airtanker arrival and will be deployed as soon as operational and safe.
(1/5)WILDFIRE UPDATE – May 13, 2023. One new lightning caused fire. The fire is approximately 1000 hectares in size and roughly 100km west of Kakisa. It is currently being monitored. No cabins, communities, or infrastructure at risk.