The situation in Fort Good Hope isn't getting any better as more help arrives to stop the blaze from spreading even more than it already has.
The Monday morning update from NWT Fire showed that the out-of-control wildfire, known as VQ001, has now grown to 1,368 hectares as of Sunday evening. It has reached the edge of the community, but there is still no structure loss, according to the update. Northeasterly winds gusting to around 20 km/h are in the forecast today, which should push the fire away from the community. Those winds should come out of the west this evening and there is no rain in the forecast.
The fire was first spotted Saturday morning; NWT Fire stated that an abandoned campfire was the cause of the blaze.
Three fire crews are on the ground and four more were en route as of Monday morning, according to Frank McKay, information officer with NWT Fire. They're being supported by four helicopters along with tankers and water skimmers when necessary. The community of just over 500 people was ordered to evacuate on Saturday by Chief Collin Pierrot with residents flown to Norman Wells.
The Ray Persson Memorial Arena and community hall in Norman Wells are being used as emergency shelters with food being served at Mackenzie Mountain School. The town's Facebook page stated that shuttles are taking evacuees back and forth between the school and shelters.
Postal service in Fort Good Hope is now under what's known as a red delivery service alert. That means Canada Post will not be sending any mail to the community and no agents will be on-site to deal with any questions or provide any services until the red alert taken down.
Also, the NWT Health and Social Services Authority announced Sunday evening that the Cassien Edgi Health and Social Services Centre is closed until further notice. A mobile paramedic service is staying in the community to look after basic health care in the community and for first responders currently fighting the fire. Emergency services personnel in community will still be able in contact with paramedics by radio in the event of any communication outages.
Evacuees in Norman Wells will be able to access basic services in the town including prescription refills, family service supports and mental health supports for as long as they are there.
Meanwhile, the fire currently burning just outside of Norman Wells appears to be under control.
The Bandy Lake fire, which NWT Fire designated as VQ002 and was burning 14 km east of the town, poses no threat to the community right now. The town stated that bomber attacks played a crucial role in bringing the fire under control. Ground crews were scheduled to be on-site today and will remain there until the fire is officially declared out.