Forest fire burning 10 km from Snare Hydro System grows to 1,500 hectares

A massive forest fire continues to burn about 65 kilometres north of Behchoko and just 10 kilometres from the facility that powers Yellowknife — and it's grown now to 1,500-hectares.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) says three fire crews as well as heavy equipment are in the area protecting the Snare Hydro System. 

The fire has grown about 600 hectares in 48 hours. It's one of 29 forest fires in the territory that are considered "out of control."

Another that was reported four days ago has grown to about 300 hectares. ENR says it's near N'Dulee Crossing and is burning towards the Mackenzie River, not the highway. 

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The fire danger continues to be "high" for most of the territory, including in the Inuvik Region. 

The first two fires of the season for that region began in the last 24 hours. One is burning 85 kilometres from Tsiigehtchic and the other is about 34 kilometres from Inuvik.

Crews in the Sahtu Region are battling a forest fire that's only 22 kilometres away from Norman Wells.

ENR officials say it's east of the community on Discovery Ridge. Officials aren't saying how large the fire is.

Crews are in the area working on a burn line in order to contain the fire, and a group of aircraft are heading over to the area to help monitor it. 

There's one other fire in the Sahtu Region, 149 km from Deline. It's being monitored as well.

Fire officials say as of right now, people in the region are not at risk.

Other notable fires include:

• One located about 30 kilometres from Yellowknife and near Bluefish Dam is under control. 
• Fire burning 16 kilometres from Lutsel K'e is now under control and is being mopped up. 
• Two fires located 21 and eight kilometres respectively from Fort Liard; crews are starting to handle.
• One burning on an island about 87 kilometres from Fort Simpson, which was started by an abandoned campfire.