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The Northwest Territories wildfire agency says a new naturally caused wildfire is burning around 45km east of Highway 5.
In a Sunday afternoon update, NWT Fire said crews have begun fighting the wildfire, which is around 0.5 hectares, from the air and ground. It said the fire is not threatening cabins or other infrastructure.
NWT Fire said crews are continuing to monitor an overwintering fire burning outside Fort Providence and extinguishing hotspots. It said the community and infrastructure are not at threat from the fire.
While some parts of the NWT saw rain on Sunday, the wildfire agency said wildfire danger remains high to very high in parts of the South Slave, Dehcho and North Slave regions.
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In a Saturday update on wildfires burning in Wood Buffalo National Park, Parks Canada said out-of-control wildfire WB004 burning near the whooping crane nesting area approximately 30km northeast of Highway 5 had increased to 10,757 hectares and shown “extreme fire behaviour.”
Parks Canada said it is working with NWT Fire to manage the fire and air tankers are laying a retardant line along its northeast flank to contain the fire within the park.
While a smoke column may be visible from Fort Smith and along the highway, Parks Canada said the fire is not currently a threat to communities or infrastructure.
A 1.2 ha wildfire and 0.4 hectare wildfire burning in a central portion of the park have both been classified as being under control.
Parks Canada said fire danger in the park is very high and reminded visitors to not light illegal campfires.
