Rain halts wildfire that had resumed advance toward Jean Marie River

NWT Fire says steady rain throughout the Dehcho on Sunday will “greatly reduce fire behaviour potential” after wildfire FS014 had earlier resumed advancing toward Jean Marie River.

Rain began in Jean Marie River – and in Fort Simpson, on the fire’s other side – early on Sunday morning and has continued throughout the day.

Saturday, by contrast, had been a very dry day that drove “significant activity.” FS014 moved two kilometres closer to Jean Marie River that day, and is now estimated to be 13 km from the community at its closest point.

Jean Marie River remains on evacuation alert.

“The community is not at threat at this time. Forecasts over the coming days would not support further growth towards the community,” NWT Fire stated on Sunday.

Wednesday is expected to be a warmer, drier day that could see fire activity increase, the wildfire agency added, but crews and aircraft are holding FS014 east of Highway 1 on its western flank and there is no threat to Fort Simpson, either.

“Aircraft and wildfire crews will work to reduce opportunities for growth towards Jean Marie River,” the agency stated. “Remote values, including cabins, will be protected using sprinklers as required.”

Until the recent past, most NWT wildfire seasons would have concluded long before mid-September. A years-long drought – one that’s worsening in some areas – is a major factor in the length of this summer’s fire season.

Fort Simpson has had only 10 percent of its normal August and September precipitation to date, NWT Fire stated, with Hay River experiencing similar conditions.

“This is in part what led to the extreme late season activity, alongside major wind events and continuing dry, hot conditions,” the agency wrote, “far beyond what we would expect to see this time of year.”