Crews battle a 6,400-hectare wildfire near Jean Marie River, N.W.T., as officials issue an evacuation alert and monitor shifting winds.
Evacuation Alert Maintained as Wildfire Threat Lingers
Jean Marie River First Nation remains on high alert this week as a 6,400-hectare wildfire continues to burn approximately 14 kilometres from the remote community in the Northwest Territories. The evacuation alert, reissued over the weekend, has not escalated as of Tuesday afternoon, but residents have been asked to stay prepared in case the situation worsens.
Crews Mobilized and Fire Behavior Intensifies
According to N.W.T. Fire, weather conditions on Tuesday fueled “extreme fire behaviour,” driven by prolonged dry conditions and strong winds. However, due to a shift in wind direction, officials reported a reduced risk of the fire moving south toward Jean Marie River. Fire crews from Fort Simpson and Fort Smith have been deployed to the area, focusing on structure protection and installing sprinkler systems across the community.
Leadership Calls for Vigilance and Rain
Chief Melanie Norwegian Menacho of the Jean Marie River First Nation told reporters Tuesday that the community remains in a state of readiness. “We are just on standby to see what is going to be the next step. We’re hoping for rain,” she said, noting the heavy smoke and ongoing concern among residents. Some members even took to the skies in a helicopter to assess the fire’s distance and direction firsthand.
Containment Efforts Underway
To slow the wildfire’s advance, crews are actively constructing a containment line north of Jean Marie River. This includes controlled burning of surrounding vegetation to create defensible space. The strategy aims to block the fire’s progression toward the community, which lies south of the fire’s current location.
Second Alert This Month for the Same Wildfire
This weekend’s alert is the second one issued for Jean Marie River in July due to the same wildfire, designated FS014. A previous alert on July 7 was later downgraded, but with persistent dry conditions and changing winds, officials remain cautious. Residents have been urged to keep vehicles fuelled and personal documents ready in the event of a rapid evacuation.
Fort Simpson Not Under Immediate Threat
As of Tuesday, authorities confirmed that the community of Fort Simpson, located west of the fire zone, is not currently at risk. Officials continue to monitor fire behavior closely and provide regular updates to both communities.
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