YELLOWKNIFE (August 7, 2015) – Fire ZF-014, near Reid Lake, is still a threat. The GNWT is working to suppress the fire and ensure the safety of the public. The following are updates from the various government agencies involved in the response to this wildfire.

The next Public Safety Update will be issued on Monday, August 10, 2015, unless the situation at the Reid Lake fire advances significantly before then.

Environment and Natural Resources (ENR)

ENR is coordinating fire suppression activities. This includes fire crews stationed at the Reid Lake campground as well as monitoring and suppression activities by air. Value protection efforts on Reid Lake have been successful with crews now focusing on mop-up operations in the area. ENR crews are undertaking value protection efforts at Peninsula Lake.

For the latest updates on NWT fire conditions visit the ENR website www.enr.gov.nt.ca and the NWT Fire Facebook page.

Transportation (DOT)

DOT has closed Highway 4 at the Cameron River bridge to all traffic. No traffic will be permitted past the closure until further notice. This closure allows fire crews to continue their work without interruption.

Highway 3 is also closed from Fort Providence to Behchokǫ̀ due to fire control measures. No traffic is being permitted through.

For the latest updates on highway conditions, visit www.dot.gov.nt.ca, call 1-800-661-0750, or follow @GNWT_DOT on Twitter.

Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI)

ITI has closed Cameron River Crossing Territorial Park effective immediately.

Reid Lake Territorial Park Campground also remains closed and a fire ban is in place at Fred Henne and Yellowknife River Territorial Parks.

Updates about the closures will be issued through regular Public Safety Updates at www.gov.nt.ca, and on the ITI website at www.iti.gov.nt.ca.

Campers who wish to cancel a booking can do so without penalty by contacting 445-1717 for the period of August 5-14.  For Extended Stay Campsite holders a refund will be provided at a pro-rated daily rate once the park re-opens. For more information visit www.iti.gov.nt.ca.

Health and Social Services (HSS)

HSS is advising residents with concerns about smoke to see the Health Effects of Smoke Exposure due to Forest Fire information sheet | French Link (http://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/sites/default/files/health_effects_of_smoke_exposure_due_to_forest_fire_0.pdf).

For more information visit www.hss.gov.nt.ca.

Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA)

MACA, through the Emergency Measures Office, is advising cabin owners in the Pickerel Lake area that a voluntary evacuation is being recommended at this time.  Fire operations will continue throughout the weekend and at this time residents are being advised to avoid travel in the areas after Powder Point on the Ingraham Trail.

MACA continues to coordinate GNWT resources and notify the public about the current fire situation.

Further Information

New Public Safety Updates will be provided as information becomes available. Updates will be distributed to local media and posted online at www.gov.nt.ca.

Media Inquiries by Topic

Fire conditions and fire suppression: Judy McLinton at 867-445-2297.

Health concerns about smoke conditions: Damien Healy at  867-767-9052 ext. 49034

Highway conditions and status: Nick Hurst at 867-445-1368

Territorial park/campground closures: Briony Wright 867-920-6109

GNWT emergency response: David Maguire at 867-920-3092