NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
As of Friday afternoon there were 16 fires burning across the NWT, and two fires, one 100 km west of Yellowknife and one outside of Fort McPherson, were being actively fought.

Both fires were sparked by lightning, according to Judy McLinton, public affairs and communications officer for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The other 14 fires are just being monitored by the department, as there is no risk they could cause a danger to residents.

"Forest fire danger in some parts of the NWT, particularly in the North Slave and South Slave regions, is high to extreme," McLinton said.

"In other parts it's basically moderate, but people should still be really careful using fire because the forests are still dry and there is potential

for a forest fire to start."

Martin Callaghan, manager of forests for the Inuvik region, said despite a 40-hectare fire 20 km northwest of Fort McPherson there still isn't a burning ban in place for the region.

Instead, anyone who wants to burn for any reason needs to report their location and be issued a permit.

Six crews of firefighters from the territory are currently in Fort McMurray, Alta., but McLinton said they are expected to return in about 10 days. "Once they're (on site), then it's wherever the (Alberta Department of Sustainable Development) think they're best used," she said, adding the 30 firefighters could be travelling anywhere in the province during their stay.

There have been 43 fires reported in the NWT so far this year, affecting more than 3,300 hectares of land.

Rain is expected on both Saturday and Tuesday in Fort McPherson, which could aid firefighters there, but according to the Canadian weather office, Fort Providence and Behchoko, will stay dry throughout the week.

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