A warning of extreme fire danger blankets the South Slave region, including Hay River, through Friday evening as hot, dry, and windy conditions push fire danger to extreme levels. NWT Fire urged everyone to help prevent human-caused fires and to report smoke right away.
As of early Friday afternoon, the South Slave region had one active fire covering 5.51 hectares that is listed as Out of Control. The NWT Fire update warns fire danger ranges from high to extreme, meaning fast fire spread is possible.
Thunderstorms in the forecast could deliver lightning strikes that spark new blazes. With natural starts a real threat, fire officials are leaning on residents to cut down on person-caused fires. Anyone who spots smoke or a wildfire should call 1-877-NWT-FIRE (698-3473) and be ready to give their phone number and the location.
The warning lands on a community already dealing with recent fire activity. Hay River firefighters handled three fires over the long weekend, including a structural fire on Gates Drive that spread to two sheds and a detached garage, a human-caused fire near Pine Point that burned 0.01 hectares, and a fire near the Kátł’odeeche First Nation band office.
Kátł’odeeche First Nation has put its own fire ban in place on the reserve until further notice because of the ongoing dry spell and high wildfire risk. Residents are being asked to be extra careful with anything that could throw sparks, such as ATVs or other machinery that can light dry grass or brush.
