Crews stand by for Fort Simpson weather shift, region on storm watch

A change in wind direction and rebounding temperatures are expected in Fort Simpson later on Wednesday, NWT Fire says, while the region is on severe thunderstorm watch.

As of Wednesday morning, fire FS016 had not moved measurably closer to the village.

Controlled ignitions could be used to try to improve protection of the community. Smoke and flame could be visible later if the fire picks up.

“Wildfire management personnel will continue to monitor the wildfire overnight and respond if there is growth threatening structures,” the territory’s wildfire agency said in an update just before 11am.

The wind is expected to shift from northwest to southeast early on Wednesday afternoon, gusting to 30 km/h. The daily forecast high is 26C. Scattered showers are possible.

A severe storm could also occur across Fort Simpson, Wrigley and Jean Marie River, Environment Canada said, issuing a weather advisory at 11:10am.

“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain,” the advisory stated.

Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation Chief Kele Antoine said he expects to survey FS016 by helicopter on Wednesday and share images.

“Many people have asked how much longer this evacuation may last. The honest answer is that it’s difficult to say,” Antoine wrote on Wednesday morning.

“What I can tell you is that crews are working incredibly hard every day to make sure it is safe before anyone returns home. Safety must remain our top priority.”

Officials have warned that the fire around Fort Simpson, in particular, is likely to require weeks of careful management.

Meanwhile, Highway 1 and the N’Dulee ferry are open southbound to allow remaining Wrigley residents to safely leave.

Both Fort Simpson and Wrigley remain under evacuation orders.

There was no suggestion on Wednesday that the threat from the Wrigley fire, FS015, had increased since Tuesday.

FS015’s fire activity remains low after recent rain and the wind is blowing toward the east. Fire breaks are being widened and structure protections put in place.