Praise for crews, worries for health as fire season returns to Dehcho

Wildfires and smoke are back in the Dehcho. For some residents, it’s just another summer. Others are worried about the consequences.

Twelve of the 17 fires reported in the Dehcho region this summer remain out of control, NWT Fire reported on its website on Wednesday. No communities are immediately threatened, the wildfire agency stated.

Communities such as Nahanni Butte, Fort Liard, Fort Simpson and Wrigley could face extreme fire danger at points over the coming days, though some rain is also forecast to move across the Dehcho.

At the Dehcho First Nations, director of land and resources Jessica Jumbo said her community of Sambaa K’e has dealt with heavy smoke for around two weeks. She told Cabin Radio the crown of a wildfire burning between Sambaa K’e and the BC community of Fort Nelson, 200 km to the southwest, can be seen on hot days.

On Wednesday, NWT Fire reported a new wildfire 18 km northeast of Sambaa K’e. “There are cabins in the area crews are working to protect, and air tankers are making drops to reduce its intensity and limit growth to the south,” the wildfire agency stated. “There are no threats to the community of Sambaa K’e or infrastructure in the area at this time.”

Jumbo said there has been a general feeling of worry in the community since the start of summer. This is Sambaa K’e’s third year in a row living with heavy smoke during wildfire season, and Jumbo said she can tell there is frustration among residents.

The safety of Sambaa K’e isn’t as much of a concern, said Jumbo, as residents understand an earlier prescribed burn around the community offers a large degree of protection from fires.

Jumbo said the long-term environmental effects are more on the minds of Sambaa K’e residents. She described concern that mercury released from fires could affect the fish population, alongside worry about the region’s ongoing drought. “We are seeing ponds and puddles that have never been dry in my whole lifetime,” said Jumbo.

Thick ash blown into the community is noticeably changing the water, she added.

“One of the kids went swimming and it is usually safe just to swim and take a gulp of water. But there were a couple people in there that said it tasted like ash,” said Jumbo. Possible algal bloom is also a concern.

Firefighters thanked

Elsewhere in the Dehcho, Boyd Clark – general manager of the Fort-Liard based Acho Dene Koe First Nation – described the season as “business as usual.”

A complex of wildfires has developed east of the community, with the closest fire about 35 km away. A year ago, Fort Liard spent 12 days on evacuation notice over a wildfire 20 km to the southwest.

This year, Clark said, smoke forced organizers of the Dehcho Annual Assembly – which took place in Fort Liard from June 24-27 – to move events inside. Only the cooking and preparation of traditional foods took place outdoors.

He said the assembly ended early due to the proximity of a nearby wildfire.

Fort Liard’s fire chief, Evelyn Wilson, told Cabin Radio there are no safety concerns at the moment but advised residents to be prepared by filling out an evacuee pre-registration form, copies of which are available at the hamlet office. Wilson noted 425 people have already registered, just under the 2021 census population of 468.

Wilson said masks have been brought to main offices and stores for residents to use while dealing with smoke. The community hall and school will open to the public as a clean-air space if the smoke worsens.

Jumbo made clear her understanding and support for front-line firefighters.

“I do understand there’s priorities. Us as a community understand there’s priorities, and they’re doing such a great job in this drought,” said Jumbo.

Mayor of Fort Simpson Les Wright also applauded their work.

“ECC has been jumping on the fires as soon as they start. There’s no immediate danger,” said Wright. Fort Simpson has one fire to the southwest and another to the southeast, about midway between the village and Jean Marie River.

While smoke has been blowing into the community, Wright said, the work of fire crews and some assistance from the rain had helped to keep the air as clean as possible.

“You never, ever get used to the smoke,” he acknowledged. “When it gets smoky here, people get concerned.”

With more lightning hitting the Dehcho on Wednesday, NWT Fire said “rapid detection and response will continue to be our focus over the coming days to catch fires small and take the right actions quickly.”