On September 14, 2023, the Forest Supervisor issued a directive under the Forest Protection Act due to an unusually high risk of forest fires in the North Slave Region of the Northwest Territories. The order aims to mitigate this risk, which is predicted to persist due to factors such as high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds. Compounding the situation, there are limited resources available for firefighting efforts due to multiple active fires in the region and neighboring areas.

The directive declares a “closed district” in the North Slave Region, effective from September 16, 2023, to September 22, 2023. This closed district encompasses both public and private lands, explicitly excluding the Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve. The order outlines specific definitions pertinent to its implementation, including terms such as “closed,” “open fire,” and “exploding target.”

In an effort to reduce fire hazards, the directive prohibits several activities within the closed district, which include:

Open Fires: The use of any outdoor fires that are not fully contained within closed devices like stoves or barbecues.
Firearms: The discharge of firearms using tracer or incendiary ammunition.
Fireworks: The igniting or handling of fireworks and firecrackers.
Exploding Targets: The shooting or detonation of any explosive targets.
Sky Lanterns: The igniting or releasing of sky lanterns.
Flare Devices: The use of flare devices or pyrotechnic bear bangers, except in emergencies.
However, the directive includes exceptions. Aboriginal or treaty rights are respected, allowing traditional activities that might otherwise contravene the order. Furthermore, individuals authorized by the Forest Supervisor, including forest officers, are exempt when conducting controlled burns or responding to specific emergencies.

The penalties for violating the order are significant. Offenders may face fines ranging from $25 to $1,000 or imprisonment for a duration between 30 days to two years, or both.

By implementing stringent measures and providing clear definitions, the directive seeks to protect life, property, and the natural environment during a critical period of heightened fire danger. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges posed by resource limitations in forest fire management.

Northwest Territories (R-068-2023) September 30, 2023