Fort Simpson (May 29/06) - Fires in Alberta are facing the skills of firefighters from the Deh Cho.

Two five-person crews from Fort Providence and two crews from Fort Simpson joined crews from Fort Smith and Hay River to travel to the Red Deer area in Alberta May 16. As of May 23, the firefighters were working on a 1,000-hectare fire.

The fire is under control and the crews are working to ensure it doesn't spread, said David Hahn, territorial duty officer for Environment and Natural Resources.

The crews are part of the resources provided by the Government of the Northwest Territories as part of the Canadian Interagency Mutual Aid Resources Sharing Agreement.

Two CL-125 tanks and one "bird-dog" aircraft were also sent to Alberta. Alberta has been experiencing dry conditions because of a combination of an early spring, strong winds and usually low humidity.

Local crews have already seen action in Alberta.

Fort Simpson sent two five-men crews of Nogha 3 and 4 at the end of April.

Those crews returned a few days ahead of schedule when rain quietened the fire situation.

Locally, the fire situation is very quiet in the Deh Cho, Hahn said. Warnings are low and are expected to remain at that level for the next while, he said.

People are still being asked to ensure all fires lit outside are completely dead before they are left alone. Fires can smoulder for a few days and re-ignite during dryer weather, he said.