Home / Disasters and Accidents / Fort Simpson Fire Nears Community Amidst Rising Fire Activity
Fort Simpson Fire Nears Community Amidst Rising Fire Activity
28 Jun
Summary
- Wildfire is one kilometer closer to Fort Simpson, under evacuation alert.
- Thousands of lightning strikes caused 27 new fires, stretching resources thin.
- Hot, dry conditions and dry lightning risks persist across the territory.
A wildfire located near Fort Simpson has moved one kilometer closer to the community, prompting it to remain under an evacuation alert. Efforts by air tankers and helicopters have reportedly been successful in limiting the fire's eastward and northward growth. Additional resources, including an Incident Management Team and wildland firefighters, are being deployed to support the response.
This heightened fire activity follows a period of intense weather, with thousands of lightning strikes recorded across the Northwest Territories on Friday, leading to 27 new fire starts. This marks the highest number of daily starts for the season, straining the resources of N.W.T. Fire. The forecast indicates a continuation of hot, dry conditions and the risk of dry lightning.
Currently, 62 fires are active within the territory, with the Fort Simpson fire and SS009 near the Alberta border being primary concerns. N.W.T. Fire is urging the public to be vigilant against human-caused fires to conserve critical firefighting resources.
