Half of a controlled burn by Russell Channel, north of Behchokǫ̀, was completed on Friday before a change in weather conditions halted crews, NWT Fire says.
The territory’s wildfire agency said crews would complete the controlled burn when “conditions are favourable.” Fire ZF028 is burning about 13 km north of the community.
“There is no threat to communities or infrastructure at this time,” a Sunday NWT Fire update read.
Over the weekend, Behchokǫ̀ received at least seven millimetres of rain. NWT Fire said it would assess the forests around the community after lightning in the western part of the North Slave region.
Elsewhere, residents leaving Fort Simpson reported delays on the ferry and Highway 1 as winds pushed wildfire FS014 closer to kilometre 428 on highway.
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Drive NWT’s website said Highway 1 was open with caution just after 8:30am Monday. The Liard Ferry is open, according to Drive NWT.
“Residents and travellers should expect fire activity within the fire perimeters. However, there are no threats to Fort Simpson,” said NWT Fire.
On Sunday, Wood Buffalo National Park reported its first new fire since July 16. WB0024 is a lightning-caused fire burning six kilometres west of Highway 5 in the NWT.
Parks Canada said the wildfire is about 30.4 hectares in size, out of control and “exhibiting high fire activity.”
One helicopter was deployed to bucket the fire and Parks Canada said it will send in firefighters when it is safe.
“At this time, there is no anticipated impact to travel on Highway 5,” Parks Canada said.
“The fuels between the wildfire and Highway 5 are discontinuous, reducing the potential for the fire to spread toward the road.”
