Yellowknife (July 07/04) - The strain on NWT forests is showing as record-breaking dry weather turns trees into potential fire bombs.

Lance Schmidt, a Forests Manager with RWED, examines potentially flammable underbrush. - Alex Glancy/NNSL photo

Yellowknife Fire Department's fire-danger rating is at "extreme," the highest it can go. As well, the City of Yellowknife has had a "burning ban" in effect since June 22.

People are warned to be careful. Campfires, whether enclosed in a pit or not, are covered by the ban; but even something as small as a lit cigarette can be a serious hazard.

Yellowknife drivers are cautioned against throwing burning cigarette butts out of their car windows.

"We're being pro-active in the extent of our ban," said deputy Fire Chief Clem St. Croix of how the ban works within the city.

"There are fairly good clumps of trees around town, but we're just as concerned with residential property around town," he said of the potentially wild spread of a fire from even the smallest beginnings.

"Our conditions right now are worse than they've ever been for the time of year," said Lance Schmidt, a forests manager with Resources, Wildlife, & Economic Development in Yellowknife, who has 25 years of experience in the field.

There are four forest fires burning in the North Slave region, but only one is classified by RWED as "under control."

All were probably started by lightning, Schmidt said. Dry conditions in the area mean fires start easily and spread quickly.

There are currently crews fighting the four fires. Most firefighters are contracted for the job, but RWED's specially-trained initial attack crew is also at work. This five-person group arrives first on the scene to attempt to contain the fire's spread.

Near Gameti

The fire closest to Yellowknife is burning near Gameti. At that distance it is no danger to the capital, Schmidt said.

In the event of a fire near Yellowknife, Schmidt and St. Croix are both confident in the ability of their teams to tackle the problem.

The two organizations complement each other and have an understanding of their roles, St. Croix said. City firefighters focus on structural fires, and its people are not usually involved in fighting forest fires, although they will if RWED needs their help.

The burning ban extends to Yellowknife city limits, and includes Fred Henne territorial campground.