Environment Canada has issued additional heat warnings for multiple communities in the Northwest Territories due to wildfires that are burning a few kilometres away from homes.
Here’s the latest:
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Heat warning in effect for Hay River, Fort Providence, Jean Marie River, and Fort Smith -
Fire near Hay River burning 1.5 kilometres west of town centre -
More personnel and heavy equipment added to Fort Smith -
Yellowknife fire still 15 kilometres from city and out-of-control
Temperatures are expected to reach between 29 and 35 C on Monday in the parts of the South Slave region. In the communities surrounding Wood Buffalo National Park, temperatures could be around 30 C.
“The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and people working or exercising outdoors,” reads the heat warning from Environment Canada on Monday.
Crews in these areas are currently battling out-of-control wildfires that have displaced people from their homes for over a week. Conditions have worsened in the last few days due to high heat and winds.
The wildfire threatening the Town of Hay River has moved from eight kilometres away to just 1.5 kilometres from the town’s centre within a few days.
“Significant damage” has been observed in the areas of Patterson Road and Paradise Gardens, south of Hay River, as the wildfire has progressed towards the community.
The community of K’át?’odeeche First Nation has a burned area surrounding it, which could potentially act as a barrier against the approaching fire, according to an update from N.W.T. fire.
Officials have reported damage to two cabins and a travel trailer along the shores of Great Slave Lake.
Over the weekend, essential personnel supporting firefighters were evacuated from Hay River while crews continued to battle the blaze.
Crews in Fort Smith are preparing for similar weather conditions on Monday, which could further intensify the fire.
In recent days, more personnel have been deployed to the area threatened by the Wood Buffalo fire, which is located approximately 3.4 kilometres from Fort Smith and 3.1 kilometres from Fort Fitzgerald, Atla., as mentioned in an update on Sunday.
On Sunday, there were 376 personnel, 86 pieces of heavy equipment, 24 helicopters, and 150 firefighters working in Fort Smith, signifying a significant increase in efforts compared to the previous week when there were 325 personnel and 57 pieces of equipment on the ground.
