Rain around Jean Marie River, N.W.T., prevented fire from moving closer

Rain around Jean Marie River has prevented a wildfire from moving toward the community. 

Residents were told to brace for a possible evacuation on Wednesday as strong winds threatened to push the fire in the direction of the Dehcho community. The fire, which was more than 20 kilometres northwest of the community Wednesday, had prompted Jean Marie River First Nation to issue an evacuation alert earlier in the week.

On Wednesday, Chief Melanie Norwegian-Menacho said the First Nation was prepared to send people to Fort Simpson if an evacuation order became necessary.

But on Thursday morning, Charles Poon, an N.W.T. Fire information officer, said rain lessened the impact of Wednesday's winds on the fire's growth. 

Poon said the community remains under the evacuation alert, which means residents should be prepared to leave on short notice if the fire situation changes. 

He said a large sprinkler system has been set up around Jean Marie River, and crews are using the favourable weather to focus on containing the fire along its eastern and southern edges.

Poon said community members have been helping and that their efforts "have been key."

Other fires

Poon said rain also improved conditions around Highway 3, where multiple fires are burning. 

He said crews are also working on structural protection of nearby cabins in that area.

Poon said the rain also lessened the threat of a fire on Campbell Lake east of Yellowknife, which was threatening nearby cabins. 

"The fire near a cabin on Campbell Lake reached the sprinkler line but didn't move beyond it," he said. 

Despite the rain helping the situation, Poon said it's not the time to be complacent. 

Lightning was spotted around Yellowknife on Wednesday, but Poon said N.W.T. Fire won't know if that caused more fires "until a little bit later."

He said gusty winds are expected on Thursday, especially in the South Slave region, which will keep the fire risk high.