A fire ban is now in place for the South Slave region and will remain in force until at least May 17.
A notice was issued by NWT Fire on May 11.
"Regional fire restrictions are being implemented prohibiting any open flames and other activities effective immediately," said NWT Fire information officer Mike Westwick. "These bans are being implemented due to high to extreme wildfire danger and extraordinary weather and drought conditions. These restrictions are intended to help protect communities, values at risk and our wildfire firefighters by limiting avoidable person-caused fires which could become a threat to people and property."
Fort Providence, Kakisa, Fort Smith, Hay River, K’átł’odeeche First Nation, Salt River First Nation and Fort Resolution all fall under the ban. The restrictions also apply to all territorial parks.
Under the ban, the public is prohibited from starting, tending, or using open fire outdoors, including in an open fire pit or burn barrel, discharging firearms with incendiary or tracer ammunition, shooting or detonating exploding targets, shooting fireworks or firecrackers, igniting sky lanterns, igniting signal flare devices or pyrotechnic bear bangers unless in an emergency situation and storing flare devices, bear bangers, fireworks or firecrackers in a manner that may cause them to be ignited. All burn permits are temporarily cancelled while the order is in effect.
Those using fire for practicing Indigenous or Aboriginal treaty rights are still permitted to do so, but are asked to use caution. The use of a closed stove that is CA or ULC approved is still permitted