Fire FS014 ‘not meaningfully closer’ to Jean Marie River

The Northwest Territories wildfire agency says containment efforts on the southern flanks of fire FS014 largely held under Saturday’s challenging winds.

In a Sunday afternoon update, NWT Fire said the wildfire is “not meaningfully closer” to Jean Marie River. It said crews are working to contain a “minor jump spot” over containment lines on the south flank of the fire, closest to the community, with the help of helicopters.

NWT Fire said the wildfire has also not reached Highway 1, but is expected to get “extremely close” Sunday under southeast winds.

“This may still cause highway closures today,” the wildfire agency stated. “We are in contact with highways staff consistently and they are monitoring the situation.”

NWT Fire said Fort Simpson is not at threat from the fire as the Liard River provides a strong buffer to fire growth.

According to the update, the fire is burning 300 metres east of Highway 1 at kilometre 454, 15km northwest of Jean Marie River at its closest point, 3.5km southeast of Fort Simpson’s ferry landing, 5km south of Fort Simpson’s airport on the other side of the Liard River and 13km south and 15km east of Fort Simpson.

NWT Fire said visibility is extremely poor on the side of the fire closest to Fort Simpson, limiting any air attacks on the west flank. With good visibility on the south side of the fire, NWT Fire said that is where air action will be focused on Sunday.

The wildfire agency said the fire could advance to the north and east, closer to Jean Marie River, at active portions of the south and southwest flanks of the fire.

Sprinklers are in place on cabins on the far side of the Mackenzie River from Fort Simpson.

NWT Fire said crews are considering ignition operations to remove fuel between the Liard River, Highway 1 and the wildfire.

SS014

Regarding wildfire SS014, the wildfire agency said it is not yet safe to return to Fort Providence, which remains under an evacuation order.

It said unseasonably warm and dry conditions are expected to continue through Sunday into Monday.

Crews continue to monitor and fortify the south end of the fire closest to the community, NWT Fire said.

It added that cabins are being protected, crews are working to identify and extinguish hotspots northwest of the community and heavy equipment continues to clear any potential fuel along the fire perimetre on the east-northeast side of the community.

Meanwhile aircraft have been making drops to ensure the fire line holds, NWT Fire said, and water canons and sprinklers remain on the edge of the community.