Wildfire crews conduct controlled burns near Behchokǫ̀

Wildfire crews in the Northwest Territories have completed 50% of a planned ignition north of the Russell Channel to remove fuel for wildfire ZF028, located approximately 13 kilometers north of Behchokǫ̀. While the operation was halted by changing weather conditions, NWT Fire stated that the ignition is a proactive tactic and residents should not be alarmed by visible smoke. Recent rainfall of approximately seven millimeters in Behchokǫ̀ may have helped slow the fire, which was sparked by lightning on July 3 and has consumed 47,000 hectares near Marian Lake.

In other areas, lightning strikes in the western North Slave region have prompted assessments. In the Dehcho region, fire FS020 has grown to 11,535 hectares, leading crews to set up structure protection for cabins. Meanwhile, fire FS014 near Fort Simpson has caused delays on Highway 1 and the Liard Ferry due to wind activity, though no immediate threat to the community is reported. Additionally, Parks Canada reported a new out-of-control lightning-caused fire, WB0024, in Wood Buffalo National Park, which is currently being monitored via helicopter.