Tulip Lake Wildfire Public Safety Announcement: Wildfire Sprinkler Protection System Update
Firefighters on the Tulip Lake Fire have secured the western and southern perimeters of the fire with containment lines and mop up of any hot spots near the edge significantly reducing the threat to the communities west of the fire near the Slave River. As the immediate wildfire threat from the Tulip Lake Fire has subsided and fire activity has stabilized, the contractor will begin the process of safely and efficiently removing the high-pressure sprinkler hose system that was deployed to protect your community beginning as early as Tuesday June 17th.
This system, a crucial part of our proactive wildfire mitigation efforts, successfully served its purpose during the Tulip Lake fire. Its strategic deployment helped create a protective barrier, safeguarding your community.
Why are we removing the system now?
- Optimized Resources: With the reduced fire risk, removing the system allows us to reallocate personnel and resources to other essential community services and ongoing fire prevention initiatives.
- Preventing Damage & Wear: Prolonged exposure to weather elements can cause wear and tear on the specialized equipment, reducing its effectiveness for future deployments.
- Community Normalization: Removing the hoses helps to restore normal access and aesthetics in affected areas.
Be Assured: Our Community Remains Protected
We understand that the presence of the sprinkler system provided a visible sense of security, and its removal may raise questions about our ongoing preparedness. We want to reassure residents that our commitment to public safety remains unwavering. The NW Compact Incident Management Team in unified command with Northwest Territories and firefighting resources will remain on the incident until the entire fire is moved into Being Held status. Local firefighters will continue to monitor the fire after the team has met the objectives of the fire and left.
We have a comprehensive plan in place, and it is in effect, to protect our community from future wildfire threats:
- Strategic Demobilization and Maintenance: The demobilization process includes thorough inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of all sprinkler system components. This ensures that the equipment is in optimal condition and ready for immediate redeployment if needed.
- Inter-Agency Coordination: We maintain strong partnerships with agencies, Indigenous Government Organizations (IGO’s), local municipalities, and fire departments to ensure seamless coordination and support in the event of a new wildfire threat.
- Ongoing Monitoring and Preparedness: Our team continues to actively monitor wildfire conditions, including weather patterns, forest fuel levels, and fire danger ratings. We are constantly reviewing and updating our wildfire preparedness plans.
- Defined Trigger Points: Clear criteria based on fire danger ratings, weather forecasts, and active fire proximity that will initiate redeployment as needed.
We want to thank the community for their understanding and cooperation during the deployment of the sprinkler system. Your safety is our top priority.
For further information and updates, please visit the Town of Fort Smith website or follow our official social media channels.
