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Six lodges in the North Slave region have been informed they may have to evacuate as two fires in the area continue to stymie suppression efforts.

Wildfires ZF024, near the south end of Campbell Lake and ZF011, located three kilometres east of Watta Lake, are both being attacked aggressively but continue to press on despite firefighting efforts. ZF011 is 300 hectares in size and ZF024 "being reassessed at approximately 500+ hectares" in size. Both are considered out of control.

"Air tankers are working on the north end of this fire today," said NWT wildfire information officer Shannon Graf in the July 4 update. "Forecasted strong winds could continue to challenge suppression efforts through the next several days.

"(ZF011) remains active and visible, growing to the southwest due to northeasterly winds. Objectives with this fire are to protect cabins, lodges, and other values in the area using sprinklers or small-scale ignition operations should they become threatened. However, with numerous barriers to fire growth, no values are assessed as at threat in the near future due to this fire. Assessments and consultations with owners in the area took place and plans are in place should this fire become a threat."

Other priorities for firefighting listed are two fires in the Beaufort Delta region. EV016 is burning 33 km east of Inuvik and is being attacked by two crews and airtankers. Further south, EV019 is a wildfire visible from the Dempster Highway about 20 km south of Fort McPherso.

"This fire is highly visible from the Dempster Highway," said Graf. "It has grown to 112 hectares in size and is challenging efforts due to the terrain. There are no threats to the community of Fort McPherson, highway access, or cabins in the area.

"Airtankers and two initial attack crews continue working to keep intensity down and contain it. If you are looking for more information on this fire, call the wildfire info line at 867-445-5484; do not call your local base – they have been overwhelmed by requests on this fire."