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Fire season slow to start
Fewer than normal burns recorded in area forests by Traci Miltenberger
NNSL (July 9/97) - Warmer and drier weather is upon us, but the forest fires are keeping their distance.
"The closest fire to Yellowknife is still 100 kilometres away," said Bill Mawdsley from the Fort Smith Fire Centre, Monday.
There are no new fires burning in the Yellowknife area.
Forty-two fires have been recorded in the NWT since the start of the season. Compared with last year's 150, the fire season is shaping up to be slower than average.
The busiest area for fires is the South Slave Region with six reported fires. Regional resources have taken action on those fires.
"There is no significant concern in the Yellowknife region at this time," said Mike Lowing, deputy chief with the Yellowknife fire department said.
GNWT forest fire management teams peg the fire hazard for the Yellowknife region as moderate.
"There won't be an outright ban on burning until we've been at extreme for at least a week. It's just too wet right now," Lowing said.
He said when the fire hazard reaches extreme, the department will begin to restrict burn permits.
Burn permits are mandatory in and around the city. For further information call the fire department.
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