Fire risk expected to rise again in Hay River; crews work to douse hot spots

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More than 100 military personnel are expected to arrive in Hay River, N.W.T., on Sunday, as the wildfire-threatened community braces for more hot and dry weather on the way.

"That's not going to be good," said Glenn Smith, the town's senior administrative officer.

"It's not going to be good for the risk to the community and where that fire is located, it's going to put a lot of stress on fire workers and we're going to need more resources coming in at this time."

The area has seen some rain in recent days, giving firefighters a bit of relief. On Saturday, they were working to douse flare-ups and hotspots around Hay River and Enterprise. About 20 firefighters from Ontario were expected to be helping out Saturday.

Smith estimated that about 200 people have chosen to stay in Hay River against the evacuation order. 

"Those that are there are probably not going anywhere, and they're going to need to know that when the risks increase next week, there's going to be limited protection," he said.

"We're just telling people that they would, likely as a minimum, have to shelter in place at the Hay River airport."

The town said check stops are being set up in Enterprise for traffic coming to Hay River. Both communities have been under evacuation orders, along with Kátł'odeeche First Nation and Fort Smith, for a week. 

Hay River and Kátł'odeeche have been through three evacuations in the past two years. Smith said he has noticed that after a week, people usually become more anxious to return home, needing resources.

He warns residents against it.

"You can't return home, you're going to endanger yourself and the crews that are trying to fight fires," he said. 

The Northwest Territories Power Corporation said Saturday in a statement that Northland Utilities continues to provide power in Hay River through its local diesel plant.

Limited electricity in Fort Smith

In Fort Smith, the town put out a call for anyone who wants to help with the fire response.

The wildfire in Wood Buffalo National Park threatening Fort Smith has seen little growth for four days, according to Parks Canada. Its Saturday morning update said the fire is still four kilometres south of Fort Smith.

That update also said crews are expected to finish structure protection work in the Bell Rock area Saturday and are going to be building a control line south of Highway 5 from Salt River to Fort Fitzgerald.

The power situation in Fort Smith is limited. The Northwest Territories Power Corporation said staff are maintaining power to key infrastructure including the water treatment plant and the recreation centre to support wildfire responders. Other areas of Fort Smith haven't had power since Monday.

The power corporation said staff have been on site in the community every day since the evacuation order, firesmarting the plant and distribution poles and checking on the generator.

The territorial government has provided the following information for residents:

• N.W.T. residents who need to evacuate can register here.
• Territorial wildfire updates can be found here. Report smoke or fire by calling 1-877-698-3473.
• Emergency response resources can be found here.
• The latest community statuses, including notices, alerts and orders, can be found here.
• Additional information for evacuees can be found here.