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The NWT’s wildfire agency says winds could gust up to 70 km/h in some parts of the Dehcho and South Slave this weekend, while there’s a chance of lightning in the Fort Simpson area.
The forecast is a concerning one for regions that are already in severe drought, are experiencing high temperatures, and have seen as recently as last year the devastating impact of a windy day at the wrong moment.
“Much of the Dehcho region and parts of the South Slave – particularly surrounding the Hay River area — are forecast to see winds from the west gusting from 50-70 km/h on Friday,” NWT Fire stated in a news release on Wednesday afternoon.
Any rain that fell earlier this week “is expected to quickly dry out over the next two days,” the news release added, “leading to very low levels of moisture in the air paired with very high temperatures increasing past 20C in some areas by the time the wind event arrives.”
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In Fort Smith, the wind will be a little calmer but “brisk enough to support fire growth,” NWT Fire stated. In the North Slave, the agency said rain “should limit fire behaviour potential.”
Given that forecast, NWT Fire urged residents to do their part by cutting out any chance of a human-caused fire starting.
“We’re doing our part by actioning current wildfires to cut off their potential for growth ahead of this event. We need you to do yours,” the news release stated.
Meanwhile, wind has already played a part in worsening a wildfire some 23 km southwest of Fort Liard.
Air tankers are being sent to assist crews and helicopters battling fire FS002, just north of the BC border, where NWT Fire said “fire activity picked up significantly under high winds” on Wednesday afternoon.
The fire is said to pose no risk to any communities, cabins or infrastructure.
