An ignition operation is underway as favourable southeast winds have kept a wildfire from reaching Fort Providence.
"The operation is being overseen by an ignition specialist. The ignition spans the northern edge of the community from the Mackenzie River to the northwest, to the southeast corner of fire SS014, which approached the community," said NWT Fire information officer Mike Westwick. "The expanded fuel breaks are being used as an anchor point.
"A helicopter are carefully burning off vegetation in the fire’s path towards the community. There have been no losses of homes reported at this time."
Air tanker drops and a ground mop up will then take place to cool the soil after ignitions are completed.
The southeast flank of the fire, which came within 900 metres of the community, has been contained.
Westwick added the 102,270-hectare, out-of-control blaze is being met by seven crews, five helicopters, seven bulldozers and two mulchers. The Fort Providence Fire Department has deployed its water truck while the Hay River Fire Department has donated two trucks to the effort.
Structure protection specialists are on site and water sprinklers and cannons are soaking the community to ensure nothing ignites that isn't intended to. Fort Providence, home to approximately 700 people, remains under evacuation order.
Westwick said weather has been "favourable" for operations, but noted that the winds are expected to change direction towards the north to northwest, potentially gusting up to 40 kilometres per hour.
"Incident management team members are communicating regularly with cabin occupants in the area along the Mackenzie River," he said. "Wildland and structural firefighters are ready to patrol for and attack spot fires."
