N.W.T. residents are bracing for another day of worsening wildfires, as fires that forced the evacuation of two Dehcho communities grew late into the night and 29 new fires were discovered in the territory.
In an update issued at 10:30 p.m., fire officials said a wildfire near Fort Simpson designated FS016 had grown to more than 10,000 hectares in size and reached the highway west of the community.
Thick smoke prevented aircraft from bombarding the area with water throughout the evening, and poor visibility and unpredictable fire behaviour limited the work of ground crews. A shelter-in-place order was issued to residents who had not already evacuated to Yellowknife.
But despite worsening fire conditions, as of this morning, the fire still had not entered the community, stopping just 500 metres from residential areas in some areas.
Currently, eight air tankers, two planes, nine helicopters and more than 40 wildland firefighters are assigned to the fire. But the update notes that “there are limited suppression actions that can be taken” unless the fire moves closer to Highway 1.
The road out of Fort Simpson in both directions is currently closed, and no ferry is running to the community. The local health centre has also closed, offering emergency medical service for firefighting personnel and emergency responders only.
Evacuees arrive in Fort Smith
Meanwhile, evacuees from Wrigley, roughly 200 kilometres to the north, arrived in Fort Smith, where they had been taken by plane throughout Monday afternoon and evening.
In a message posted to Facebook, Fort Smith Mayor Dana Fergusson reassured evacuees that “there will be a place to sleep, food and people ready to help for as long as you need to be here.”
“We remember the communities and people who showed up for us” during the historic 2023 wildfire season, Fergusson wrote. “Now it’s our turn.”
Fire officials provided no specific update overnight on the wildfire encroaching on Wrigley, designated FS014. As of 6:45 p.m., officials said suppression efforts had begun.
The Wrigley Health Cabin has also closed.
Fort Simpson residents have started to arrive in Yellowknife after evacuating their community overnight because of a nearby wildfire. For many, this wasn’t their first time they’ve had to flee their community. In 2021, Fort Simpson was evacuated because of flooding. Jessica Davey-Quantick spoke with some evacuees on Monday.
Highway 7 closed by fires
New fires identified by Monday evening encroached on Highway 7, a key route south out of the territory.
Both Highway 7 and Highway 1 north of its junction with Highway 7 have been forced closed by wildfires.
In the territory’s southeast, fires emerging from Wood Buffalo National Park burned “vigorously,” according to a Parks Canada update, encroaching on Highway 5.
Crews and aircraft were working to suppress the growth of at least one new fire, burning 13 kilometres outside the remote community of Nahanni Butte, according to the 10:30 p.m. update.
Over 100 wildfires are currently burning across the territory. Hot, dry conditions and frequent lightning strikes from storms continue to worsen fire conditions across the territory.
The capital, Yellowknife, put in place a fire ban yesterday.
