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Above-average fire season for NWT
Northern News Services
Published Monday, July 8, 2013
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Forest fires are growing in the territory with about 80 of them starting in the past week, causing heavy smoke in some areas which has concerned residents.
A fire northwest of Wrigley was being fought July 5 by 40 firefighters from British Columbia. - photo courtesy of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources |
The GNWT has a ban on open fires in some territorial parks, including 60th Parallel, Queen Elizabeth, Little Buffalo River Falls and Kakisa Day Use park. Camp cooking stoves and gas, propane or briquette barbecues are allowed so long as the grills of the units can be enclosed in a cover or hood, according to the NWT parks website.
As of July 5, the territory fire count sat at 152 this season, with 105 still burning. According to Judy McLinton, manager of communications for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, those numbers are a bit above average due to the warm, dry weather the area as been experiencing. Some areas, such as the North Slave and South Slave, are experiencing drought-like conditions.
The Deh Cho has been the most affected, according to ENR, with 56 fires reported so far this season and 36 still burning.
Jean Marie River was put on evacuation alert on July 2 due to heavy smoke from a forest fire burning 10 kilometres away from the hamlet. The alert was lifted on July 4.
There were three helicopters and 50 firefighters working on the fire northwest of Jean Marie River as of July 5, and McLinton said the crews are making good progress on that fire. "The plan is to have it fully contained this weekend," she said on July 5.
The crews are continuing to secure the southwest corner of the fire that is northwest of Wrigley, said McLinton. There are still a number of resources on that fire, including four helicopters, 40 firefighters from British Columbia, emergency firefighters and an incident command team made up of people from across the NWT.
The fire that burned the N'Dulee ferry camp to the ground last week is being fought as well.
Crew members of the Johnny Berens ferry were not harmed but ferry operations were ceased on July 3, according to the Department of Transportation.
Highway 1 from Fort Simpson to Wrigley reopened for service on July 4. According to a news release from the Department of Transportation, pilot vehicles were to be leading convoys of vehicles for portions of the route from Fort Simpson to the N'Dulee ferry crossing.
McLinton said crews were cleaning up along the highway near the area on July 5 and that the area received some rain last week.
"They're hoping they can mop that fire up over the weekend," she said July 5.
NWT chief public health officer Andre Corriveau said the high wind increases the chance of smoke being lifted into communities throughout the territory. He also said a forest fire doesn't have to be close for there to be smoke.
"The amount of smoke isn't so much about fires being close or far, but depends on where the wind is blowing and how it's bringing smoke in," said Corriveau. "You can have big forest fires 100 kilometres away that can bring thick smoke back into the community because the wind lifts it up and can bring it straight into the town."
How to be smoke aware
What you can do to stay healthy if there's smoke in your area.
- Stay inside as much as possible.
- Turn on air purifiers if you have them in your home.
- Keep windows closed.
- Don't use wood stoves, gas stoves, or candles. They can make indoor air quality worse.
- Keep car windows up and air conditioning on "recirculate" so you don't suck smoky air inside.
- Have several days supply of food that doesn't require cooking, as broiling and frying can add to indoor pollutant levels.
- Drink lots of water to keep your nose and mouth moist for easier breathing.
- Refrain from outdoor events, athletics and working outside.
- Be alert to public service announcements.
- Consult a doctor if you experience chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath or severe fatigue - even if you don't have previous heart or lung problems.
- Check on neighbours, friends and relatives that live alone to make sure they're okay.
Source: Office of the chief public health officer, Department of Health and Social Services
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