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While the fire responsible for Wrigley’s evacuation hasn’t come closer in days, NWT Fire says winds from the north this weekend could mean difficult conditions.
Saturday brought increased fire activity, the territory’s wildfire agency said in an evening update, though the fire had not yet moved closer than 12 km north of the community.
“We expect to see more pressure on the southern portion of the fire,” NWT Fire stated. “These winds are drying out the fuels available to the fire, meaning there could be the possibility of the fire spreading further.”
Wrigley has been under an evacuation order since Monday, but hasn’t faced the same level of wildfire threat on its doorstep that Fort Simpson has endured in recent days. Rain over the past week has helped.
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“Cooler weather is providing a good opportunity to get good work done and reassess strategies on this fire,” NWT Fire stated, while cautioning: “The fire is not out and remains a serious situation to be managed.”
Structure protection continues to be set up across the community, with the northern edge and critical infrastructure a priority.
“Heavy equipment is in place to widen community fuel breaks to provide greater community protection and provide additional safe options for fire response,” NWT Fire stated.
