Home destroyed in ignition operation as fire continues to burn near N.W.T. community

By The Canadian Press on June 5, 2023.

SAMBAA K’E, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES – A home in Sambaa K’e has been destroyed during an ignition operation as an out-of-control wildfire grows closer to the community in the Northwest Territories.

The territorial government says the operation between the airstrip and the lake was meant to burn available fuel to create a break between the wildfire and the community previously known as Trout Lake.

It says an unexpected thunderstorm caused the test fire to flare up and, despite efforts to extinguish it, it crossed the airstrip toward the home Sunday evening.

The territory says containing the test fire was difficult as low visibility due to smoke has meant aircraft are unable to fly.

The wildfire near the Alberta boundary was last estimated to have burned about 2,029 square kilometres in the territory and is now 15 kilometres from Sambaa K’e.

Residents of the community, which is home to about 97 people, were ordered to evacuate the area Wednesday when the fire was 30 kilometres away.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 5, 2023.

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