Fire ban in place for some N.W.T. territorial parks

The N.W.T. government has issued a fire ban for someterritorial parksjust ahead of the weekend, including Hidden Lakeand Hay River Territorial Parks.

The ban, in effect as of Friday afternoon, is in response to hot and dry conditions. It means that all open fires, including those within an approved fire pit, are prohibited.

Campers are advised to use only campstoves or enclosed barbecuesfor cooking. They must be placed in a regulation fire pit and not emit a flame larger than half ametrein height ordiameter.

Fire bans arenow in effectat the following N.W.T. territorial parks:

• Fred Henne
• Yellowknife River
• Hay River
• Twin Falls
• Queen Elizabeth
• Hidden Lake

A ban on open-air fires is also in effect within municipal boundaries of the town of Hay River.

In May,Hay River and neighbouring K'atl'odeeche First Nation were evacuatedwhen an out-of-control wildfire approached the communities. K'atl'odeeche First Nation reserve sustained significant damage.