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Three fires in South Slave caused by people – ENR

Brett McGarry
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photo courtesy of Department of Environment and Natural Resources A fire burning 60 kilometres south of Fort Resolution on August 12. The fire crossed over the NWT border from Wood Buffalo National Park and was 40 square kilometres as of August 12. The fire was one of several burning in the South Slave creating thick billowing smoke drifting through the region up to the North Slave resulting in high risk air quality readings for Yellowknife, Fort Resolution, Lutsel K'e, Fort Smith, Wekweeti, Whati and Behchoko.

Three man-made fires started in the South Slave region in the past 48 hours has the Government of the Northwest Territories warning residents not to be careless.

In a post made by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) on Monday, one of the three fires broke out in Pine Point and two in the Fort Smith area near the landfill and Fox Holes.

ENR reported that the Pine Point fire was a campfire that got out of control and is reminding residents that the Fire Danger Level throughout the South Slave and Dehcho regions is 'high' or 'extreme.'

The out of control campfire is being called out while tanker crews having been responding to the Fox Holes fire since Sunday evening which is being held. ENR crews have responded to the landfill fire.

"Burn permits are required for any fire other than cooking or warmth," the department stated in a release.

"Do not leave any fire unattended, even if you are camping in a Territorial Park. Make sure your fire is completely out before you leave it."

The warning from the department comes one day after Yellowknife began experiencing smokey and hazy conditions from a wildfire in High Level, Alta.

To report a fire in the NWT, call 1-877-NWT-FIRE (877 698-3473)