'Essential' water pumps allegedly stolen from N.W.T. fire crews
2 pumps were used to protect valuables in the area near N.W.T./Alberta border
Two essential pumps have been stolen from crews working on a wildfire near the N.W.T./Alberta border, according to territorial fire officials.
In a news release, N.W.T. Fire says the two pumps were protecting valuables in the area.
"These pumps are essential tools in protecting the cabins and other items that people in the area care about and it is disheartening to see," the release said.
In the South Slave region near the Alberta border, fire crews have been fighting hot spots along the rail line and working on preventive measures, such as sprinklers, to hold back fires west of Highway 1. Fires along that stretch of highway have intermittently closed the road over the past few weeks.
The update said that structure protection is still in place and there are no new threats to valuables. Crews are working to address areas that have longer-term potential for fire growth west of Highway 1.
The release asked anyone with information on the alleged theft to call (867) 872-0541, "so we can get the pumps back and working to protect values that continue to be at risk from this fire."
There are currently 90 active wildfires in the territory.