Crews are continuing to battle the wildfire that threatens Fort Liard.
The latest update from Monday afternoon stated that the blaze had grown to 639 hectares and sat 19 km southwest of the community. A total of five fire crews, three helicopters and two structure protection units are fighting the fire, which has been deemed out of control.
"Higher winds are crossing over the fire area this afternoon," stated Mike Westwick, the information officer for this specific fire designated FS002. "We are experiencing sustained winds at 15-20 km/h and gusts reaching between 35 and 50 km/h from the west-southwest are expected throughout the afternoon."
Westwick indicated that it could cause flames on the west of the Liard River to grow to the north and make containing the fire on the island that much tougher to prevent it from crossing to the eastern shore of the river.
No structures have been lost since the blaze began, added Westwick, but smoke is now visible in the community. An evacuation notice remains in place for Fort liard as of Monday.
Fire crews are attacking the fire to try and reduce the risk of flames crossing the river to its eastern shores and structure protection has been set up on critical infrastructure in Fort Liard to discourage structure ignition should fire approach, stated Westwick.·
Helicopters are also bucketing hotspots on the island in the Liard River to keep intensity down to prevent ember transfer to the east shore. Bucketing is also being done on the southwest corner of the fire on the west side of the river to keep fire intensity low and prevent growth towards Fort Liard under winds this afternoon.
In addition airtankers are making drops to reduce the intensity and the likelihood of ember transfer across the Liard River.
Westwick stated that the community is working with heavy equipment to reduce fuel (burnable vegetation) in strategic locations in the hamlet to increase wildfire protections.
Residents in the area are being told to clear gutters of anything that burns, spray or sweep roofs off to clear any needles, leaves, or other dried debris which could burn and mow the lawn, if there is one. Any furniture or firewood that could burn should also be moved out of the way to reduce the risk.
A further update is expected this evening.