Number of wildfires burning in N.W.T. increases, high-to-extreme fire risk within territory

There are now over 60 wildfires actively burning in the Northwest Territories, says the government's fire division.

A wildfire was burning Tuesday evening about 10 kilometres north of the Yellowknife airport is one of several new wildfires reported in the Northwest Territories in the last 24 hours.

The fire was about half a kilometre west of Vee Lake, and less than 400 metresfrom Vee Lake Road, as of Tuesday evening.

N.W.T. wildfire information officer Mike Westwick said Wednesday afternoon that the fire is less than one hectare and was quickly brought under control by wildfire crews.

He said the fire is under investigation, but is suspected to have been caused by a person firing a bear banger.

"Without the quick action, this fire could have caused some serious challenges. We're asking folks if you know anything about how this fire started, please give us a hand in our investigation by calling 867-445-3209," wrote Westwick in an email.

"This is a great example of the kind of fire we do not want as fire conditions remain severe close to where people like to go, close to a community, close to other things folks value."

Cabins, the Ranney Hill hiking trail and the Vee Lake boat launch are all near the fire.

Over 60 active wildfires reported in N.W.T.

The Vee Lake fire is one of more than 60 active wildfires being reportedin the Northwest Territories Wednesday, though it is under control, the territory said.

By Wednesdayevening, nine new fires had been reported:Twoin the North Slave, threein the South Slave, twoin Beaufort Delta region andtwoin theSahtu. Three of the fires were person-caused.

Another fire reported Wednesday includes one about 44 kilometres from Dettah, and another less than a kilometre from Norman Wells.

The Norman Wells fire is thought to have been caused byan abandoned campfire on the beach, according to thewildfire update websiteof the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR).

The man-made fire, noted to be near homes and "other assets that people care about," was put out.

A lightening-caused fire about 17 kilometres northwest of Wekwethad grown to 5,969 hectares as of a Wednesday afternoon wildfire update. ENR said crews and aircraft were working to bring the fire under control.

There are 19 active fires in the South Slave region, 14 in the North Slave, 14 in the Sahtu, seven in the Dehcho and five wildfires in the Beaufort Delta. Most communities across the territory are noted as being at "high" or "extreme" risk of wildfire from Wednesday to Friday.

Yellowknife is currently under a city-wide fire ban to reduce wildfire risks.

According to ENR, Dehcho communities can also expect higher levels of smoke and ash, particularly in Wrigley. Tch communities should also be aware of intense smoke, along with Dln.

There have so far been 90 wildfires reported, with 131,344 hectares of land affected across the territory.

ENR notes that all active fires are being watched to protect communities, cabins and other infrastructure.

Residents are encouraged to avoid making a fire "unless absolutely necessary for cooking or keeping warm."

Wildfire smoke alert re-issued for Yellowknife area

Environment Canada re-issued a wildfire smoke alert for the Yellowknife region on Wednesday.

It said wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility because of high concentrations of fine particles in theair.

The agency said people may experience symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath, and that children, seniors and people with cardiovascular or lung disease are at greater risk.

It advised people feeling unwell to cut down on strenuous outdoor activities and contact their healthcare provider.

"Wildfire smoke is a constantly-changing mixture of particles and gases which includes many chemicals that can harm your health," reads Environment Canada'sspecial air quality statement.

As well, the Department of Infrastructure announced Highway 1's closure from kilometre553, and the Mackenzie River/N'dulee Ferry is only open to southbound traffic.