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NWT Fire says a change in wind direction has reduced the risk of a wildfire reaching Jean Marie River in the next day or two.
The Dehcho community of 70 people is on evacuation alert because of wildfire FS014, 14 km to the northwest.
On Monday afternoon, the territory’s wildfire agency said FS014 had “not advanced meaningfully” in the past day and would be held by easterly and southerly winds at least through the end of Tuesday.
In Jean Marie River, community leaders said they were postponing a family reunion and annual meeting planned for August 1-4 because of the ongoing evacuation alert.
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The events will be rescheduled “for everyone’s safety and to support fire protection efforts,” read a notice posted online.
NWT Fire said the proximity of FS014 to Jean Marie River “remains a concern.”
Air tankers, helicopters and crews continued to attack the fire where possible on Monday.
Structural firefighters from Fort Smith and Fort Simpson are being sent to the community to help set up sprinklers.
On Tuesday, NWT Fire said it hopes to add more firefighters to help “secure the south flank” of the fire, which it said is causing the most concern.
