To the rescue
Forest fires threaten Talston River Dam.


NorEmma Levezthern News Services

NNSL (Jul 13/98) - Fires continued to rage in the North and South Slave regions of the NWT on Friday, but activity so far is within normal levels.

A fire bulletin released by the Department of Resources at noon on Friday reported one new lightning-caused fire 45 kilometres northwest of Fort Smith, bringing the total number of fires in the South Slave region to 33.

Fire crews have so far been able to prevent damage to the Taltson River Hydro Dam and the power lines near Fort Smith.

"We had a little bit of rain last night which helped us, but we'll be going in again today to make sure the area is secured. We're not anticipating any problems," said territorial duty officer Dennis Mahussier, Friday.

Power was lost to the communities of Hay River and Fort Resolution for a few hours on Thursday evening.

A short circuit, caused by water and fire retardants accidentally dropped on the substation and powerhouse, prompted the generator to shut down. "No lasting damage was incurred," said Fort Smith operation superintendent, Paul Campbell.

Campbell said no further power problems are expected. "The potential's always there, but at this point we don't anticipate any."

In the North Slave region, seven new fires are the result of lightning. All property has been secured, but work is far from over as new starts are expected, according to the report received Thursday.

Two Canadair CL215 water bombers from Quebec arrived in Fort Smith on Thursday in order to assist in the fire suppression effort. All equipment in the NWT is already being used in the fight and new fire starts are expected.

Thanks to rain, things are well under control in other parts of the territories. In the Inuvik region, rain and cool temperatures continue to maintain a low fire danger rating.

The Sahtu is also expecting rain, which will help firefighters battling two fires about 25 kilometres from Tulita.

In the Deh Cho, rain has reduced fire activity, although firefighters are still attempting to secure cabins along the southwest shore of Fish Lake.

Mahussier said that with an expected total of 300 to 400 fires, this year has been an average fire year for the North.

"We're heading towards the end of the fire season -- things may still change, but that's how it looks right now."