A bit of rain has closed out an otherwise bone dry month of May, much to the relief of Northerners anxious about this year's forest fire season. But that doesn't mean people should be letting their guard down.
In recent days, a number of fires have been blamed on careless campers, including those near High Level, Alta., which have forced the town's evacuation – many residents have come North across the NWT border to seek refuge.
With extreme fire conditions, including low precipitation and potentially hot, dry days ahead, residents should be cognizant of the impact a carelessly tended fire can have on the land, property and lives.
An out-of-control fire can spread quickly - like "wildfire" if you will. Such fires can destroy entire communities, as seen in recent years in Fort McMurray and Slave Lake.
This in turn puts significant financial pressure on the territorial government and its ability to provide basic services we all enjoy -- schools, hospitals, or hiring of new public sector professionals.
If out on the land in dry conditions, bring along a camp stove and use that for cooking instead of building a fire. And if you must build a fire, make sure it is out!
Failing to do so can have devastating consequences that ripple throughout the territory.