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A wildfire southwest of Fort Liard crossed the Liard River on Friday afternoon, NWT Fire said, meaning “risk has risen” to the hamlet.
Fire FS002 started the day on the far side of the river, some 22 km southwest of the community.
Shortly after 6:30pm, after a day of strong winds pushing to the north and east, NWT Fire said the fire had been driven across the river by “extreme winds” and was likely to keep moving eastward through the evening and into the night, with the potential to turn toward the north.
“Risk has risen to the community of Fort Liard with this latest development. We are working closely with the hamlet and emergency management partners in responding,” NWT Fire stated.
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“It is expected that much lighter winds and some rising moisture should dampen fire activity overnight.
“Structure protection work in the community continues focusing on critical infrastructure and the perimeter of the town should fire approach the community. Direct action is not possible under these wind conditions.”
Earlier on Friday, Fort Liard moved to evacuation notice and sprinklers began to be set around some buildings.
Evacuation notice is the first and least urgent of three stages. The next would be evacuation alert, followed by an evacuation order.
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“This means there is an increased risk to the community due to wildfire,” the NWT government’s public safety website stated on Friday afternoon.
“The community advises residents to be prepared. Keep vehicles fueled. Prepare an emergency kit with everything you need. Follow the instructions of your community government.”
In Fort Liard, residents who spoke with Cabin Radio said they had packed in case the worst happened but praised firefighters for their efforts.
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Extra firefighters have arrived to help set up sprinklers and similar protection, NWT Fire stated, focusing on “critical infrastructure and the community’s periphery.”
Fort Liard instituted a fire ban on Thursday, according to its website.
