N.W.T. officials warn of 'extreme fire weather conditions’ amid heat wave

Fire information officer Mike Westwick said there were 10 new fires in the territory on Thursday, all triggered by lightning.

N.W.T. officials warn of 'extreme fire weather conditions’ amid heat wave No set day for when evacuees from Fort Simpson or Wrigley will be allowed to return N.W.T. officials are warning of "extreme fire weather conditions" across much of the territory on Thursday, with hot and dry weather expected to continue in the coming days. Fire information officer Mike Westwick said there were 10 new fires in the territory on Thursday, all triggered by lightning. “There is a lot going on and a lot happening for crews out there, and great work being done to keep people in communities safe,” he said.

Westwick said a fire 35 kilometres west of the community of Gamètì, between Great Slave and Great Bear Lakes, has grown significantly. He said there is currently no danger to the community even though residents may see smoke. Another fire near Wrigley has moved a little closer to the hamlet.

While moist air and a cold front are helping firefighters there, Westwick said the wind has pushed the flames about a kilometre closer. It's now about 11 kilometres from the community. Officials say there's no imminent threat to any homes or structures.

In Fort Simpson, mop-up operations of a fire that threatened that community are also being challenged by hot and dry weather. Both Fort Simpson and Wrigley have been under evacuation orders for more than two weeks. There's still no word on when residents will be allowed to return.