Wildfire preparation a years-long effort for Fort Simpson

The director of protective services for Fort Simpson says the village’s volunteer fire department has completed several prescribed burns as part of its years-long efforts to prepare for wildfires.

“We didn’t get to do as much burning as we wanted to, but we still got some done and it’s certainly better than none,” said Tyler Pilling

Now that the grass is greener, the volunteer fire department cannot complete prescribed burns by themselves, but Pilling is open to doing more burning with help from the NWT government.

Pilling said Fort Simpson has been working hard since the wildfires in 2023 to Firesmart the community, including purchasing equipment and building fire breaks.

The village has extended a fire break near the airport that was 50 metres to 250 metres.

Pilling said the fire department received a donated pickup truck so they can now easily pull the sprinkler trailer.

This year, Pilling said, the village met with staff from the Department of Environment and Climate Change and made “substantial” updates to the community’s wildfire protection plan. They also developed an interface response plan, which Pilling said he has “been wanting to do for a long time.”

Fort Simpson is one of four NWT communities that is part of a new wildland-urban interface program that aims to better coordinate wildland and structural firefighting when wildfires threaten communities.

Fort Simpson’s emergency plan is also undergoing an update.

NWT Fire has classified the fire risk for the Dehcho region as high to extreme this weekend, with the risk in Fort Simpson varying between high and very high.

“Everybody should keep an eye on their fires. Don’t be silly with them. Always follow the proper guidelines if there is a fire ban in the village in the region, please follow them. And even if there isn’t, make sure any fire that you have is controlled and is properly extinguished when you’re done,” said Pilling.

Throughout May, residents can place brush or large items at the front of their property and the village will take them to the dump for free.

NWT Fire is hosting a community wildfire preparation celebration at The Arbour today at 11. There will be a BBQ, gear demonstrations and Firesmart information.