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NWT crews battling forest fires in Northern Ontario

Forest fires currently raging in Northern Ontario are depending on help from across the country, including the NWT.

A total of six crews – five four-person crews and one-three person crew – were called from six NWT communities to assist in battling one of many wildfires currently consuming forests North of Sudbury, Ont. around the River Valley, Lake Temagami and Lady Evelyn clusters.

photo sourced from : NWT Fire / Feux TNO
Fire crews from six NWT communities pose for a photo at the Fort Smith Airport on July 12 before setting out to Northern Ontario to assist fire-fighters. 73 blazes are currently plaguing areas around North Bay and Sudbury.

Eric Beck, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) crew co-ordinator based in Fort Resolution, said crews are under taking various tasks to control the flames and any potential property damage.

“Our crews were using sprinklers to help contain fires on cabins,” said Beck during a phone interview on July 18. “Today they joined the line and helped battle the fires head on.”

Crews from Fort Resolution, Fort Simpson, Norman Wells, Sambaa K'e, Fort Smith and Behchoko are expected to return on July 27 after 19 days out of the territory.

Beck said it is not uncommon for crews to be called out of the territory to assist the country. Last year, fire crews were called to B.C. to assist with forest fires there.

In the past, Beck said he has been called out to Ontario, Alberta and B.C.

There are 53 forest fires on-going in the north-eastern part of the province. Along with the crews, the NWT is sending 1,000 lengths of fire hose to assist in getting things under control.

Beck said he is likely to make an appearance near Lake Temagami, where his crew is stationed, as an ENR rep.

Here at home, the abundance of rain in recent weeks has combated any severe threat of a forest fire so far this season.

Fort Smith mayor Lynn Napier-Buckley said the South Slave region has seen its share of dry summers and believes the town's representatives will show the same world-class attitude when fighting fires in Ontario.

“I'm very proud of the work our firefighters are doing,” said Napier-Buckley. “We know how serious these fires can be, so if we can help people who are in similar situations we need to be able to do that.”

The crews will be on mandatory rest once they return on July 27,  but could be called out to Ontario again for service.