June 7, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, the NWT is experiencing hot, dry conditions and the forests across most of the NWT are critically dry. The fire danger ratings in the North Slave, South Slave, and DehCho regions are at high or extreme and the NWT is in the midst of an early fire season. We have had increased fire activity over the past week and are presently dealing with a number of problematic wildfires within these regions.
The long-term seasonal temperature outlook from Environment Canada for June, July and August continues to project above seasonal temperatures for most of the NWT. Precipitation is forecast to be below seasonal for the same period.
Should weather patterns remain at seasonal or above seasonal conditions as indicated by Environment Canada, we can expect to experience a very difficult fire season.
Municipalities have already had to enact fire bans in Yellowknife, Hay River and Fort Smith. In addition, Industry, Tourism and Investment had to impose a ‘No-Open Fires’ policy in Prelude Lake, Reid Lake, Fred Henne and Yellowknife River Park Territorial Parks. Campers have been asked not to light open campfires until conditions improve.
Mr. Speaker, activities to ensure that ENR is prepared for the 2012 forest fire season have been underway since fall 2011. Operational manuals and forms are up-to-date, Standing Offer Agreements for aviation short-term needs have been signed, crew contracts are in place, and seasonal/casual hiring is complete. Facility maintenance activities for air tanker bases, fuel systems, the lightning detection network, the automatic fire weather station network, and radio communications have been undertaken. In addition, some aircraft and crew were brought on early because of the fire hazard.
ENR is prepared to respond immediately should wildland fire become a concern. Available personnel, aircraft, and support resources have been identified and are ready for mobilization.
The Department continues to monitor daily environmental conditions and is ensuring that risk mitigation measures have been identified and are ready. As appropriate, the Department is providing advice on proposed activities which may pose a fire management risk in and around communities. ENR is also in discussions with Municipal and Community Affairs and local fire authorities regarding local preparedness for wildfires.
Mr. Speaker, at this point, conditions point to a prolonged and difficult forest fire season. While we have done our level-best to ensure we are as prepared as possible, we are still at the mercy of the weather. With this in mind, I would ask that all residents avoid using open fires wherever possible and make sure any fires are completely extinguished before they leave.