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The NWT’s wildfire agency is warning residents to “do everything you can to keep fires caused by people off the landscape” as temperatures increase.
In a Friday update, NWT Fire said the fire danger “is expected to be high to extreme across most of the South Slave and Dehcho” this weekend.
Daily highs of 15C or above are expected in Fort Smith and Hay River. Fort Simpson and Fort Liard are expected to break 20C on both Saturday and Sunday.
“That means it’s easy for fires to start, and if they do, they have the chance to grow fast and be tough to control,” NWT Fire stated.
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The agency’s advice is to avoid starting any campfires and treat one with extreme caution if you do, soaking, stirring, soaking and repeating until the air above the fire is cool to the touch. Don’t leave any fire unattended for even a moment, and don’t burn brush or debris without a permit.
No new fires have been reported this week beyond those identified and brought under control northwest of Fort Smith, which were two holdover fires from last year.
However, NWT Fire added: “The potential for lightning is beginning to enter the forecast come Tuesday next week – meaning the chance of natural ignitions.”
