N.W.T. officials warn of 'major wind event' in South Slave, Dehcho regions on Friday, increasing fire risk

N.W.T. fire officials are warning of a "major wind event" expected in some areas of the territory on Friday, along with warm, dry conditions — significantly raising the risk of wildfire. 

In a news release on Wednesday, Mike Westwick, wildfire information officer, wrote that much of the Dehcho and South Slave, and Hay River in particular, are expected to experience winds gusting from 50 to 70 km/h on Friday.  

Rising temperatures are expected to dry out any rain that has fallen in those areas. 

Westwick cited "very low levels of moisture in the air paired with very high temperatures increasing past 20 degrees in some areas by the time the wind event arrives." 

"If there's fire on the landscape, it's likely to grow quickly with the potential to be extremely difficult to control under these conditions," the news release states.

It also says there's a risk of lightning in the Fort Simpson area, which could start new fires.

Westwick said that firefighters will be responding to current wildfires to limit their growth ahead of the wind event on Friday. He also urged people going out on the land to limit the possibility of human-caused fires. 

Rain is expected in the North Slave region along with the wind event, which he expects will limit the fire activity in that area. 

Moisture levels are anticipated to rise around Fort Smith and Hay River as the wind event ends on Saturday, but the Dehcho is expected to remain extremely dry. 

A new fire was discovered in the Dehcho, 23 kilometres southwest of Fort Liard. 

Westwick says it's been "actioned" since its discovery. 

"Fire activity picked up significantly this afternoon under high winds and the fire has grown beyond one hectare," the Wednesday news release reads.

He said airtankers were heading there to assist crews and helicopters and that there is currently no risk to communities, cabins, or infrastructure.